Fresh Berry Cream Cheese Crunch
Aussies love snacks that balance taste and convenience, and this simple twist on a Nature Valley™ bar does just that. Topped with creamy cheese and fresh berries, it’s a deliciously easy upgrade to your classic oat and honey snack.
Ingredient List
- 4 teaspoons light cream cheese
- 2 Nature Valley™ Crunchy Oats & Honey Snack Bars
- 75 g fresh berries (such as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries), hulled and sliced as needed
Preparation
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Grab Your Ingredients
You’ll need
2 Nature Valley Crunchy Oats & Honey bars
4 tsp soft cream cheese
75g fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries) -
Spread the Cheese
Carefully spread 2 tsp of soft cheese on each granola bar. Make sure it's evenly coated—this creamy base adds a lovely richness to balance the crunch. -
Top with Fresh Berries
Add your berries on top—go with a colourful mix or keep it simple with just one fruit. Slice larger berries for easy eating and visual flair. -
Serve Fresh
These are best enjoyed right after making! The creamy, crunchy, and juicy combo makes them a perfect snack, quick dessert, or brunch bite. -
Switch It Up
Try Greek yogurt or mascarpone instead of cream cheese. Add fruit like mango, kiwi, or peach to mix things up.
Made With
Why you'll love this recipe
When snack time calls, elevating your favourite crunchy bars couldn't be simpler—or tastier! This delightful combination brings together two delicious favourites from your pantry: the wholesome crunch of Nature Valley™ Oats & Honey bars paired with smooth, silky soft cheese, topped generously with fresh, vibrant berries.
How to customise the recipe for your taste
Swap fresh berries for your favourite seasonal fruits to enhance their natural sweetness and add variety, whether it’s tropical slices of mango or banana, or juicy peach and nectarine when in season.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Try warming up your Nature Valley granola bars gently before adding toppings; ten seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low-heated oven gives them a deliciously fresh-baked taste and softens the texture just right.
- If you prefer a sweeter snack, add a light drizzle of Australian honey or a sprinkle of icing sugar over the berries. Both options add subtle sweetness without overpowering your recipe.
- Fresh locally sourced berries taste fantastic, but frozen berries work well too, especially when certain types aren’t in season. Just defrost them gently beforehand and pat dry to prevent any unwanted moisture.
- Don’t limit yourself to the berries listed; seasonal Australian fruits such as sliced peaches, mangoes, passionfruit pulp or sliced bananas pair perfectly with cream cheese and granola bars, adding a delicious Aussie twist.
- Cream cheese can be swapped out for ricotta cheese, mascarpone or a coconut-based cream cheese alternative if you’re looking to experiment with flavour and texture variations.
- Feeling creative? Lightly toast some shredded coconut flakes, crushed macadamias or finely chopped almonds for an extra touch of crunch and added depth of flavour to complement the granola.
- Preparation ahead of time is easy and convenient; keep pre-spread bars chilled in an airtight container and simply top with berries or your chosen fruit when you’re ready to serve.
- Short on time? Turn this snack into a shareable platter by breaking granola bars into smaller bite-sized pieces, dolloping soft cheese on each chunk, and arranging mixed fruits or berries around them—ideal for casual entertaining and social gatherings.
Troubleshooting Guide
Even the simplest recipes can occasionally present small hiccups, so we’ve put together this handy troubleshooting guide to ensure your snack turns out delicious every time: If you’re having trouble spreading the soft cheese onto your granola bars smoothly, ensure the cheese is at room temperature before starting.
