Why make this recipe
Oatmeal Cranberry Bars are a great choice for a snack or a healthy dessert. They are chewy, sweet, and packed with tart cranberries. This recipe is simple to make and is perfect for any time of the day. Plus, these bars are gluten-free, making them suitable for many diets.
How to make Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
Follow these easy steps to make your own Oatmeal Cranberry Bars at home. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t take much time. You will love how delicious and satisfying these bars turn out!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup gluten free rolled oats (for the crumb topping)
- 1/2 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for the topping)
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- A pinch of salt (for the topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with a little butter.
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup gluten free rolled oats, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 1 lightly beaten egg, 1/2 cup milk (or your dairy-free alternative), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour this batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- In another bowl, mix 2 cups cranberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until the cranberries are well coated.
- Evenly spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the base layer in the pan.
- For the topping, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats, 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and the 1/4 cup cold cubed unsalted butter. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until you get a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the cranberries evenly.
- Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the bars are set and the top is lightly browned.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious oatmeal cranberry bars!
How to serve Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
These Oatmeal Cranberry Bars are wonderful on their own, but you can also pair them with a dollop of yogurt or serve them with fresh fruit. They work great as a grab-and-go snack or a sweet treat after a meal.
How to store Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will last for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to make Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
- Make sure the butter is melted, but not too hot before mixing with other ingredients.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the mix.
Variation
You can swap cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or cherries if you prefer. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can also add a nice crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free oats?
Yes, if you don’t need a gluten-free option, feel free to use regular oats.
2. Can I substitute the almond flour?
Yes, you can use regular flour or another nut flour if you have a nut allergy.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly browned and they are set. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
