Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry oatmeal bars are a delightful blend of tart cranberry and warm cinnamon flavors nestled within a buttery oat crust. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet snack, these bars offer a chewy texture and a burst of fruity freshness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 can whole cranberry sauce (or 1 batch homemade)
• Ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly dough.
3. Step 3: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
4. Step 4: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the base layer, ensuring it covers the surface completely.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the cranberry layer to create the topping.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cranberry sauce is bubbly around the edges.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
8. Step 8: Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, mix chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the crumb mixture.
• Use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher, less sweet flavor.
• To make these bars vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
• Gluten-free oats and flour work well to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Storage

Store the cranberry oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave to enjoy warm bars, or serve chilled as a refreshing treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can make your own cranberry sauce by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and a bit of water until they burst and thicken. This gives a fresher taste but requires extra preparation time.

How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

Be sure to measure the flour accurately and not pack it too tightly. Also, do not overbake—remove the bars as soon as the top turns golden and the cranberry sauce bubbles at the edges.

Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

These Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery oat crust layered with tangy cranberry sauce. Perfectly balanced with a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar, they offer a comforting texture and a blend of sweet and tart flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert any time of the year.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)

Filling

• 1 can whole cranberry sauce (or 1 batch homemade)

Serving

• Ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry components.
3. Add Melted Butter: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and mix using a spoon or your hands until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
4. Form Base Layer: Reserve about two-thirds of the oat mixture. Press that portion firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
5. Spread Cranberry Filling: Evenly spread the entire can of cranberry sauce over the oat crust layer, making sure to cover the surface completely.
6. Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the cranberry layer, distributing it evenly to cover the filling.
7. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberry sauce is bubbly around the edges.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
• Homemade cranberry sauce can be substituted for a fresher flavor.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Freeze leftovers by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; thaw before serving.

Keywords: cranberry bars, oatmeal bars, cranberry dessert, holiday dessert, easy baking recipe