There’s something truly magical about the smell of baked goods wafting through the house, isn’t there? Oatmeal Cranberry Bars bring back memories of family gatherings, where love was shared over sweet treats and hearty laughter. With each bite, these bars, with their tender oats and a zing of cranberry, have a way of wrapping your heart in warmth, making you feel right at home.
Why make this recipe
These delightful Oatmeal Cranberry Bars are a celebration of life’s little moments. They’re perfect for sharing at family picnics, cozying up with a good book, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. The sweet-tart cranberries mixed with the hearty oats create a heavenly combination that’s both satisfying and comforting. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up after work or on a lazy weekend morning!
How to make Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
- 3 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons flour (for the crumble)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for the crumble)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the crumble)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the crumble)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, the heart of the kitchen’s warmth coming alive.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, and sea salt for the oatmeal bars, letting the ingredients blend like old friends catching up.
- Add the cold, cubed butter, and mix with your hands. It’s okay to get a little messy! You want to form a crumbly mixture that feels buttery and rich, just like home.
- Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish that you’ve sprayed with a touch of cooking spray. This will be the base layer of comfort.
- Spread the cranberries evenly over the top, allowing their bright color to shine through like a sunny Southern morning.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the crumble—this is where the magic happens.
- Add the remaining butter to the crumble mixture, mixing until it forms a coarse crumble. Sprinkle this lovingly over the cranberries.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, filling your home with sweet aromas that invite everyone to the kitchen.
- Allow these beauties to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars. Patience, my dear, will lead to the best reward!
How to serve Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
Serve these bars warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream on the side or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those sweet summer evenings. They’re delightful on their own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving adds a delightful touch.
How to store Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
Store your Oatmeal Cranberry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or keep them in the fridge if you’d like to extend their freshness to a week. Trust me, they taste just as good, if not better, the next day!
Tips to make Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a sweeter touch, you can mix in a handful of chocolate chips or a swirl of caramel under the cranberry layer.
- Don’t fear experimenting with different fruits! Dried cherries or blueberries could be lovely alternatives to cranberries.
Variations
These bars are wonderfully flexible! You can substitute in various kinds of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or change up the fruit based on what’s in season or what you have on hand in your pantry. Adding coconut can bring a fun tropical twist, while spices like nutmeg or ginger can add a depth of flavor that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out!
FAQs
-
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Certainly! Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different but still delicious. -
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months, so you’ll always have a sweet treat ready to enjoy. -
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil works beautifully, providing a rich flavor and texture.
There’s something so special about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying delectable treats. As you savor each bite of these Oatmeal Cranberry Bars, I hope you find joy in the little moments that life has to offer. So go ahead, pull out your apron, and let the baking begin! There’s a whole world of love waiting to be shared, one warm bar at a time.
Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, and sea salt for the oatmeal bars.
- Add the cold, cubed butter, and mix with your hands until you form a crumbly mixture.
- Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish that’s been coated with cooking spray.
- Spread the cranberries evenly over the top.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the crumble.
- Add the remaining butter to the crumble mixture, mixing until it forms a coarse crumble.
- Sprinkle the crumble over the cranberries.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars.