Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These cranberry oatmeal bars are easy to make and bursting with vibrant cranberry flavor, topped with a deliciously crumbly oat crust. With a buttery base and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings and a delightful alternative to traditional pies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free certified if needed)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups whole cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
2. Step 2: Press about 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
3. Step 3: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the crust layer.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the cranberry sauce. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cranberry layer is bubbly.
5. Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegan butter to make these bars dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
• Swap cranberry sauce for blueberry or cherry preserves for a different fruity twist.
• Add white chocolate chips into the crumb mixture for extra sweetness.
• Include chopped walnuts or pecans in the topping for added crunch.
• Use certified gluten-free oats and flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
• For a healthier version, replace brown sugar with coconut sugar and butter with coconut oil, and try a naturally sweetened homemade cranberry sauce.
• Check the bars at 45 minutes as oven temperatures vary; they’re done when golden and bubbly.
• Cool completely before cutting; chilling in the fridge or freezer speeds this up.
• Homemade cranberry sauce adds fresh tartness and flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re great made ahead of time to set fully before slicing. To reheat, warm individual servings gently in the microwave if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cranberry bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars store well and can be made up to 2 days in advance. Keeping them covered at room temperature or in the fridge helps them set perfectly before cutting.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended because they hold their texture better during baking and create a crumbly topping. Quick oats may result in a softer, less textured bar.

Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 58 reviews

These cranberry oatmeal bars feature a buttery, crumbly oat crust and topping with a tart and sweet cranberry sauce filling. Perfectly suited for the holidays and Thanksgiving dessert tables, they are easy to prepare with simple ingredients, versatile for dietary needs, and can be enjoyed gluten-free or vegan with substitutions. The bars bake to golden perfection with a pleasantly crunchy texture complemented by a hint of cinnamon.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Crust and Crumble

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 1/2 cups whole cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Make the Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Press the Crust: Line a square metal baking pan with parchment paper. Press approximately all but 1 cup of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even crust layer.
3. Add Cranberry Layer: Spread the whole cranberry sauce evenly over the pressed crust, ensuring full coverage for balanced flavor in every bite.
4. Final Layer and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the cranberry sauce to form the topping. Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes until the top is golden and the cranberry sauce is bubbling. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Check your oven around 45 minutes as baking times may vary; the bars are done when the topping is golden and cranberry sauce bubbles.
• Cool bars fully before cutting; refrigerating or freezing speeds cooling and setting.
• For a vegan version, substitute vegan butter for the unsalted butter.
• Try different fillings like blueberry or cherry preserves for variation.
• Add white chocolate chips or chopped walnuts/pecans into the crumb mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Use certified gluten-free oats and flour to make a gluten-free version.
• Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar and butter for coconut oil for a healthier alternative.
• Homemade cranberry sauce adds fresh tartness and flavor.

Keywords: cranberry oatmeal bars, holiday dessert, cranberry bars, oatmeal dessert bars, Thanksgiving dessert, crumb topping bars, gluten-free cranberry bars, easy dessert recipes, baked oatmeal bars