PB&J Breakfast Bars

INGREDIENTS NEEDED
CRUST:
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats 
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed 
1/4 teaspoon baking soda 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 

PB FILLING:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
pinch of salt
1 large egg, beaten
Top with 1/2 C your favorite jam or jelly

PB&J Breakfast Bars

• Preheat oven to 350F. Line & spray an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.

• Prepare crust: In a mixing bowl, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Add melted butter and stir together til crumbly.  Reserve 1/2 cup crumb mixture for topping.  Place the remaining mixture firmly in the bottom of a parchment-lined dish. Place pan in the oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, until the crust sets.  

• Prepare peanut butter filling: In a bowl, add cream cheese, peanut butter, egg, and salt and beat til incorporated.  Pour mixture over the baked crust, then spread on top of your favorite jelly/jam.  I swirled mine in just slightly or you could microwave it for a few seconds to make it easier to spread. Top with remaining crumb mixture.  

• Place in the oven for 30 minutes until the top is browned. Once it has cooled, place it in the fridge for about an hour or overnight to let it completely set up before serving. Lift it out of the pan by the ends of the parchment paper & place it on a cutting board.

Makes up to 12 bars