Experience the perfect blend of a buttery oat crust and a zesty cranberry filling in these delightful cranberry oatmeal bars. They’re a must-have for your Thanksgiving celebration or any fall dessert craving! The bars feature a delicious combination of buttery oats, a tart cranberry apple filling, and a touch of sweetness. Let’s dive into making these scrumptious treats with readily available ingredients.
Cranberry Oatmeal Bars
Servings 16
Ingredients
*Cranberry Filling:*
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups finely diced and peeled apple
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
*Crust:*
- 3 cups Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2/3 cup melted butter vegan or regular
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all filling ingredients. Stir well and simmer for 10-12 minutes until cranberries soften. Blend the filling briefly in a heat-safe blender or food processor until roughly puréed. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the dry crust ingredients: oats, gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir well to combine.
- Reserve 1 3/4 packed cups of the crust mixture for topping. Spread the remaining oat mixture evenly in the baking pan, pressing it down with your hands or the back of a large measuring cup.
- Evenly spread the cranberry mixture over the crust, then sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture on top.
- Bake for 33-35 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before slicing into squares for the flavors to set. Enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Dive into the delightful taste of these cranberry oatmeal bars whenever you crave a sweet and tangy treat!