Cranberry Bars

There’s nothing quite like a batch of warm cranberry bars to evoke the flavors of the season. With their lush, tart cranberry sauce and comforting oat crust, these bars are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful pick-me-up in the afternoon. Whether you have leftover cranberry sauce after the holidays or you’re looking for a new treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these simple bars are a wonderful choice that combines nostalgia with effortless baking.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets these cranberry bars apart from the usual sweet treats? For one, they are a fantastic way to repurpose leftover cranberry sauce, turning what could be waste into something extraordinary. Not only are they budget-friendly and delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family brunch, festive holiday gatherings, or even just as a guilt-free snack on a busy weeknight, these bars are quickly becoming a favorite.

"I never knew leftover cranberry sauce could taste so good! These bars are chewy, sweet, and absolutely delightful."

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making cranberry bars is as easy as pie (or should we say, as easy as bars?). Here’s a quick overview of the process. You’ll start by mixing the wet ingredients, then combine them with the dry to create a delectable batter. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be popping these bars into the oven and filling your home with a heavenly aroma.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg

Feel free to play around with the ingredients! Swap in whole wheat flour for a hearty twist or use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

How to Do It

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the egg and leftover cranberry sauce, mixing until smooth and creamy.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.

Tips for Serving

These cranberry bars shine on their own, but why stop there? Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also make a fantastic addition to a festive holiday cookie platter or pack well for on-the-go snacks.

Best Way to Store Cranberry Bars

To keep your cranberry bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their longevity, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. In case you need to save some for later, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. For the best taste, enjoy within three months.

Pro Chef Tips

For the best results, make sure your butter is fully melted but not bubbling when added to the sugar mix. This helps to achieve that perfect chewy texture. Also, mixing the wet and dry ingredients until just combined prevents overmixing, which can lead to tougher bars.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try adding chopped nuts for an extra crunch, or sprinkle coconut flakes on top before baking. You can also experiment with different fruits: swap cranberries for blueberries or mixed berries depending on your personal taste.

FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of leftover sauce?

Yes, you can! Just make a quick cranberry sauce by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and a little water until they burst.

How should I reheat the bars if I want them warm?

You can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until heated through.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia egg, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Cranberry Bars

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious cranberry bars made with leftover cranberry sauce, perfect for cozy gatherings and afternoon pick-me-ups.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the egg and leftover cranberry sauce, mixing until smooth and creamy.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cranberry bars, dessert, holiday baking, sweet treats, leftovers