Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances tart cranberries with sweet, buttery oats. These bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday flavors, making them ideal for festive gatherings, quick snacks, or even breakfast on the go.

With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, these bars are as satisfying to bake as they are to eat.

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The cranberries add a bright, tangy flavor to the sweet oat crust and crumble.
2. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
3. Versatile: Great as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat.
4. Holiday Favorite: A festive option for potlucks, parties, or gift-giving.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well, so you can prepare them in advance.

What to Serve with Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

1. Coffee or Tea: Pair with a warm beverage for a cozy treat.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
3. Greek Yogurt: Enjoy with a dollop of yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
4. Hot Cocoa: A festive drink that complements the tart cranberries.
5. Whipped Cream: Add a touch of sweetness to enhance the flavor.

Yield: 12 bars

Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

Print

Soft and chewy oatmeal bars filled with tangy cranberries and a sweet oat crumble topping. Perfect for holidays or everyday treats.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 1 3/4 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and evenly coated.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and orange juice.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
8. Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top, pressing lightly to adhere.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
11. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

1. Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Cranberry Options: Substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries (rehydrated in hot water) or cranberry sauce for convenience.
4. Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or white chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
5. Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling for a brighter citrus flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping it up

Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are a versatile and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holidays or any time of year.

With their chewy oat base and tart cranberry filling, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.

Whip up a batch today and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors!