From the Kitchen: Raspberry Oat Bars

Raspberries are delicious-- especially when they are whipped into the delectable recipe of a raspberry oat bar! I found this recipe while sifting through old family recipes and decided to give Great Aunt Betty's {who was notorious for being quite the fabulous hostess!} raspberry bars a taste. Boy, was that a great decision! Just baking them filled the house with sweet aromas, and the combination of raspberries, cream cheese, and the sugary, oat, coconut, and pecan crumble makes the most scrumptious treat for brunch, an afternoon snack, or a sweet after-dinner dessert! You're sure to love it. Give it a try and thank me later. 

RASPBERRY OAT BARS

• 1 1/2 Cups Quick Oats
• 1 Cup Flour
• 3/4 Cup Sugar
• 1 Cup Flaked Coconut (Unsweetened)
• 1 Cup Chopped Raw Pecans
• 3/4 Cup Butter
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, Packed
• 1 Cup Raspberry Jam
• 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 egg
• 8 oz. Cream Cheese
• Fresh Raspberries to garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and 3/4 cup sugar
3. Stir in the oats, flour, coconut, and pecans
4. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and press the rest evenly into the bottom of an unbuttered 13" x 9" pan
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
6. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes
7. Spread 1 cup of raspberry jam over the baked oat layer
8. Beat together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 8 oz. cream cheese
9. Spread the cream cheese mix over top of the jam layer
10. Sprinkle the reserved crumble on top
11. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees F (until lightly golden and the center is set).
12. Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes then refrigerate, slice, and enjoy! Garnish with fresh raspberries!