Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

I gotta admit, when I first mixed the melted butter, oats, and cranberries with a splash of tangy orange juice I didn’t really know what to expect but this recipe ended up being one epic treat that totally surprised me.

I think these cranberry oatmeal bars are awesome. They mix melted unsalted butter, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and light brown sugar with eggs, granulated sugar, orange juice and vanilla to create a rich, energy-packed treat.

I love the burst of fresh cranberries and crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter provides rich flavor and holds the mix adding smooth moisture.
• Rolled Oats are loaded with fiber and carbs giving hearty texture and energy boost.
• Fresh Cranberries impart tartness and antioxidants while adding a refreshing burst of flavor.
• All-purpose Flour binds all components together ensuring a firm yet tender bar structure.
• Eggs contribute protein and stability making the mixture more cohesive and delicious.
• Chopped Nuts add a crunchy texture along with healthy fats and extra protein.
• Light Brown Sugar naturally sweetens the bars with a hint of molasses like depth.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (let it cool a bit)
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus an extra 1/4 cup for the filling)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for the filling mix)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (you can sub water if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or use dried ones after soaking)
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but adds a nice crunch)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.

2. In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Now add the cooled 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 2 beaten large eggs. Mix until everything is well combined.

3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.

4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until it starts setting.

5. While the crust bakes, in another bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.

6. After whisking, gently fold in 1 cup fresh cranberries and, if you like, 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

7. Remove the crust from the oven and evenly pour the cranberry mixture over it, smoothing it out with a spatula.

8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray
3. Large mixing bowl for the crust mix
4. Another bowl for the cranberry filling mix
5. Measuring cups and spoons for all ingredients
6. Whisk for mixing the filling
7. Spatula for pressing in the crust and smoothing the filling
8. Cooling rack (or a flat surface) for letting the bars cool before cutting

FAQ

• Q: Can i sub salted butter for unsalted butter?
  A: Yes, you can use salted butter but keep in mind you might want to reduce the added salt a bit.
• Q: Is it ok to use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
  A: Sure thing, just soak the dried cranberries in a little warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up.
• Q: Can these bars be made gluten-free?
  A: You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend however the texture might be a tad different.
• Q: How should i store leftovers?
  A: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer shelf life.
• Q: Do i have to use chopped walnuts or pecans?
  A: Not really, its totally optional so you can omit them if you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies.

Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter: You can swap it with the same amount of melted coconut oil if you want a slight coconut twist.
• Old fashioned rolled oats: Try using gluten free rolled oats or even quick oats if you dont mind a softer texture in your bars.
• All-purpose flour: Swap with a gluten free all-purpose blend or even spelt flour which adds a bit nuttiness.
• Eggs: If youre looking for a vegan option, mix 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes and use that instead.
• Fresh cranberries: Use dried cranberries as a backup, but be sure to soak them in hot water to soften them up first.

Pro Tips

1. One thing u gotta do is let your melted butter cool a bit before mixing it with the eggs. If its too hot, it might cook the eggs a bit and mess up the texture of your crust.

2. Be sure to press the oat and flour crust really firmly into the pan. A tight, even crust holds the filling better and gives your bars that nice chewy base that everyone loves.

3. For more flavor, try toasting the walnuts or pecans for a few minutes in a dry pan before adding them in. It really brings out a nutty, crunchy flavor and makes the bars extra special.

4. If you’re using dried cranberries instead of fresh ones, soak them in a little warm water beforehand so they plump up and mix in perfectly with the filling.