Description
These delightful cranberry oatmeal bars offer a heartwarming blend of buttery, toasted oats and a vibrant, tart cranberry filling. Reminiscent of nostalgic family kitchens, this recipe uses a simple, versatile crumble base that doubles as a crunchy topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet afternoon with coffee, these bars balance sweet brown sugar with the bright, jewel-toned zing of cranberries, making them a sophisticated yet wonderfully accessible treat for any baker to enjoy.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce or cranberry fruit spread
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly dough.
Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the base layer.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the cranberry layer and lightly press down.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to ensure they set properly.
Notes
Ensure the butter is fully melted for a more cohesive dough. For a zesty twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cranberry filling. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg