Blueberry Walnut Bars

Name: Blueberry Walnut Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2/3 cup ground walnuts; 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided; 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats; 3 tablespoons reduced-fat stick margarine, melted; 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese; 1 tablespoon orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup reduced-fat whipped topping; 2 tablespoons blueberry preserves; 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 10 min. + cooling

Yield 12 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

With power-packing oats, walnuts and blueberries, kids aren't the only ones that are going to love this sweet treat. Health-minded parents can feel good about these bars, too. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida

Ingredients

2/3 cup ground walnuts
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
3 tablespoons reduced-fat stick margarine, melted
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup reduced-fat whipped topping
2 tablespoons blueberry preserves
1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the walnuts, cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, oats and margarine. Press onto the bottom of an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Beat in orange juice and vanilla. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat preserves on high for 15-20 seconds or until warmed; gently stir in blueberries. Spoon over filling. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 171 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.

Recipe Creator