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Cranberry Oat Bars

Cranberry oat bars are a nostalgic treat with a refined twist, combining tart cranberries with hearty oats to create a chewy, crispy snack. The process involves mixing, pressing, and baking until the edges are golden and bubbling, resulting in a golden-brown, jammy bar with a flaky crust. Perfect for cozy mornings or a quick, satisfying pick-me-up, these bars balance bright fruit flavor with wholesome texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dried cranberries soaked briefly in warm water to plump
  • 1 tablespoon flour for tossing cranberries
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest brightens the flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Serrated knife
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix them together until evenly incorporated.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until it’s just melted and fragrant. Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press about two-thirds of this oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, pressing firmly to create a compact crust.
  5. In a small bowl, toss the dried cranberries with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking and clumping. Spread them evenly over the pressed crust.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Drizzle this over the cranberries, spreading it evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the cranberries and honey, pressing lightly to help it adhere and form the topping.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges. You’ll smell toasty oats and sweet cranberries as it bakes.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes, allowing the bars to set completely.
  10. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and let it cool completely before slicing into squares with a serrated knife.
  11. Slice into bars and serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the crunchy oat topping with the bright, tart cranberries in every bite!

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking. To make these bars vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup.