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Nutty Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe

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These Nutty Oatmeal Cranberry Bars feature a buttery cinnamon-oat crust topped with a creamy vanilla filling, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans or walnuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or dessert, these delicious homemade bars are easy to prepare and make 24 servings.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (for the oatmeal crust)

1 1/4 cups old fashioned oats

3/4 cup packed brown sugar (for the oatmeal crust)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

8 tablespoons salted butter, melted

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the filling)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for the filling)

2 cups fresh cranberries

3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, old fashioned oats, 3/4 cup brown sugar, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
  3. Pour the melted salted butter and lemon juice into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and resembles coarse, crumbly dough.
  4. Transfer the oatmeal mixture to the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly and evenly across the bottom using your hands or the back of a measuring cup to create a compact crust.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, lemon zest, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Stir until the filling is smooth and thoroughly combined.
  6. Spread the creamy filling evenly over the oatmeal crust using a spatula.
  7. Scatter the fresh cranberries evenly over the filling and gently press them into the creamy layer. Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly across the top.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the creamy filling appears set.
  9. Remove the baking pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely so the filling firms up and the crust holds together.
  10. Once completely cooled, slice into 24 evenly sized bars using a sharp knife. Serve chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed.

Notes

Nut substitutions: Replace pecans with walnuts or chopped almonds for a different flavor and crunch. Omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free variation, provided the remaining ingredients are suitable.

Citrus variation: Substitute orange zest and orange juice for the lemon zest and lemon juice to create a sweeter citrus flavor.

Greek yogurt substitution: Plain Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in equal amounts for a slightly tangier filling.

Extra sweetness: Add a small handful of white chocolate chips to the topping for a sweeter dessert.

Frozen cranberries: Frozen cranberries can replace fresh cranberries without thawing. They may release additional moisture and require a few extra minutes of baking.

Quick oats: Quick oats can be substituted for old fashioned oats, although the crust will have a softer, more compact texture.

Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. The finished texture may vary depending on the flour blend.

Dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be used instead of fresh, but the bars will be sweeter, chewier, and less moist.

Extra spice: Add a little more ground cinnamon to the oatmeal crust for a warmer flavor.

Prevent crumbling: Press the oatmeal crust firmly into the baking pan and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

Check for doneness: The bars are ready when the top is lightly golden and the filling appears set, usually after 45–50 minutes at 325°F.

Make ahead: Prepare the bars up to two days in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Refrigerator storage: Store completely cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer storage: Wrap cooled bars individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to one month.

Thawing: Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator, then bring them to room temperature before serving if desired.

Reheating: Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature, or warm an individual bar briefly in the microwave for approximately 10–15 seconds.

Serving suggestions: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or milk, or serve as dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/nutty-oatmeal-cranberry-bars-recipe/