Name: Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 cups rolled oats; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¾ cup cold butter, cubed; 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons butter

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Oatmeal Cranberry Bars are a delightful blend of tart cranberries and hearty oats baked into a crumbly, buttery treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This recipe combines simple pantry staples with fresh or frozen cranberries to create a snack or dessert that’s both satisfying and vibrant, perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings. If you’ve been searching for a sweet yet wholesome bar to add to your baking repertoire, these Oatmeal Cranberry Bars will quickly become a treasured favorite.

Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and charm of these Oatmeal Cranberry Bars. From the nutty richness of oats to the bright pop of cranberries, the components come together effortlessly but make all the difference.

¾ cup flour: Provides structure and lightness to the crumbly base.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries.
2 cups rolled oats: Bring a hearty texture and wholesome flavor that makes these bars satisfyingly chewy.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly for a tender crumb.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
¾ cup butter (cold & cubed): The star for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumbly top and base.
3 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen): Offer a vibrant tartness and beautiful burst of color in every bite.
2 tablespoons flour: Coats the cranberries to keep them from making the bars too soggy.
⅓ cup brown sugar: Sweeter topping sugar that mixes with cinnamon for warmth.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice note that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
2 tablespoons butter: Mixes into the crumble topping to create that irresistible crispy finish.

How to Make Oatmeal Cranberry Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it nice and ready for baking. Then, mix the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, baking powder, and sea salt together in a large bowl. This combination sets the stage for the base of your bars, giving you that perfect chewy-crisp balance.

Step 2: Incorporate the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture and use your hands to rub and mix everything together until it looks crumbly. This step is all about creating that classic oat bar texture—crumbly yet holding together just right.

Step 3: Press Mixture into the Pan

Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Press the crumbly oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, creating a solid foundation for your cranberries and topping.

Step 4: Add the Cranberries

Evenly spread your fresh or frozen cranberries across the oat base. Toss them beforehand in the 2 tablespoons of flour—this little trick helps keep the moisture from the berries from turning your bars soggy.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, combine the ⅓ cup brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, mixing until you have coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a crisp, sweet layer that complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle your crumble topping evenly over the cranberries and bake the entire dish for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden-brown finish on top and bubbles of cranberry goodness peeking through.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

After baking, allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps the bars set up so they cut cleanly and hold their shape beautifully.

How to Serve Oatmeal Cranberry Bars

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness. For an extra special treat, drizzle warm white chocolate or a light vanilla glaze over the top to balance the tartness of the cranberries with creamy richness.

Side Dishes

These bars are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of tea or coffee complements their warm, crumbly texture perfectly, making for a cozy snack or dessert pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or brunches, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter garnished with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary. Another fun idea is to sandwich cream cheese frosting between two bars for a layered, decadent treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Oatmeal Cranberry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They maintain a perfect chewy-crisp texture without drying out, making them an easy grab-and-go snack.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars fresh for longer, freeze them in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Warm your bars slightly in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that delightful freshly baked aroma and soften any chilled fruit filling. A quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works too if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

While you can use dried cranberries, they will result in less moisture and may change the texture of the bars. Fresh or frozen cranberries provide a juicy burst that’s key to the classic Oatmeal Cranberry Bars experience.

Can I substitute butter with a vegan alternative?

Yes! Using a vegan butter or coconut oil can work well, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly. Coconut oil may add a subtle tropical note, which can be delicious in its own right.

How do I ensure the bars don’t become too soggy?

Coating the cranberries in flour before adding them to the crust helps absorb excess moisture. Also, make sure to bake fully and allow enough cooling time for the bars to set before slicing.

What is the best type of oats to use?

Rolled oats are ideal because they hold their shape and provide the perfect chewiness. Instant oats might make the bars too soft, while steel-cut oats would be too hard and need longer cooking.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even white chocolate chips can be stirred into the crumble topping or cranberry layer for extra flavor and texture. Just adjust quantities to keep the balance just right.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade Oatmeal Cranberry Bars that makes them hard to resist. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or a dessert, this recipe is simple enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough to share with family and friends. Give these bars a try, and I promise they’ll become a staple in your kitchen for the cozy seasons ahead!

Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 21 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Oatmeal Cranberry Bars are a delightful blend of tart cranberries and a buttery oat crumble, perfect for a wholesome snack or a breakfast treat. With a crisp topping and chewy base, they combine the natural sweetness of brown sugar with the tartness of fresh or frozen cranberries, making for a delicious and satisfying bar.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking when placing the bars inside.
Make Oatmeal Base Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups rolled oats, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Mix well.
Add Butter to Base: Add the cold, cubed ¾ cup butter to the mixture and use your hands to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed.
Press Base Into Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Press the crumbly oatmeal mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish to form a compact base layer.
Spread Cranberries: Evenly spread the 3 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries over the pressed oatmeal base.
Prepare Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for the topping.
Add Butter to Topping: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the topping mixture and mix until it forms a coarse crumble texture.
Sprinkle Crumble Over Cranberries: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the layer of cranberries in the baking dish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the cranberry layer is bubbling.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars to let them set properly for neat cuts.

Notes

You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, do not thaw before baking.
For an extra nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping.
These bars keep well stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To make the bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
Ensure the butter is cold when mixing for a better crumbly texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Snack, Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American