In the world of homemade treats, there’s something special about recipes that balance the richness of baked goods with the tartness of fresh fruits. One such delight is the oatmeal cranberry bar, a dessert that combines the chewy texture of oats with the zesty punch of cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these bars offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
Ingredients to Gather:
For the Cranberry Oatmeal Bars:
- ¾ cup flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup butter (cold & cubed)
- 3 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
For the Brown Sugar Crumble:
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions for Baking Bliss:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect environment for your bars to bake. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and spray it with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
- Mix the Oatmeal Bar Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, and sea salt. This dry mix forms the foundation of your bars. Then, add the cold, cubed butter. Use your hands to mix these ingredients together, forming a crumbly mixture. This texture is key to creating the perfect bar consistency.
- Layer It: Take your crumbly oatmeal mixture and press it firmly into your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out. Then, take your cranberries and layer them evenly over the top. This layer of cranberries adds a tartness that beautifully complements the sweet base.
- Create the Crumble: In a smaller bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for your crumble. Add the butter to this mixture and combine until it forms a coarse crumble. This sweet and spicy layer adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the bars.
- Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle your crumble evenly over the cranberry layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The top should be golden and the cranberries bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Patience is a virtue, especially with these bars. Allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the bars set, making them easier to cut into neat servings.
Nutrition and Servings:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Calories: 350 kcal per bar
- Servings: 12 bars
These oatmeal cranberry bars are more than just a treat; they’re a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a personal treat, they’re sure to be a hit. With their chewy base, tart cranberries, and sweet crumble topping, these bars offer a delightful taste experience that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Bake a batch today and enjoy the wonderful world of homemade delights!
Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
Ingredients:
Cranberry Oatmeal Bars
¾ cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups rolled oats
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
¾ cup butter, cold & cubed
3 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
Brown Sugar Crumble
2 tablespoons flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, and sea salt for the oatmeal bars.
Add the butter and mix with your hands to form a crumbly mixture.
Press the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
Spread the cranberries evenly over the top.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble.
Add the remaining butter, mix into a coarse crumble, and sprinkle over the cranberries.
Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Allow to cool AT LEAST 30 minutes before slicing into bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: 60-65 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per bar | Servings: 12 bars