Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread Cranberry Filling: Evenly spread the entire can of cranberry sauce over the oat crust layer, making sure to cover the surface completely.
- Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the cranberry layer, distributing it evenly to cover the filling.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/cranberry-oatmeal-bars-recipe/
