There’s something special about creating something in the kitchen with ingredients you already have on hand. And that’s exactly how these Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Bars came to be.

One morning, when the thought of heading to the store felt like asking me to run an Iron Man, I decided to get creative with what I had at home. And let me tell you, it was an interesting experiment. I feel like you’re probably reading the ingredient list in pure judgment right now, but I promise, I would not post these here if they weren’t a win.

The oat base is buttery, soft, and chewy from the oats. The filling is sweet, creamy, and a little tart from the cranberries. The only thing I wish I would have added was a vanilla glaze to drizzle over the top. I truly did love them.

So, the next time you find yourself reluctant to make a trip to the store, I encourage you to take a look around your kitchen and see what ingredients you can use. Get creative. Get weird. Bake what you like. And then tell your friends about it.

With love,

Your Baker- Hannah

Convinced it’s time for some baked oatmeal bars? Here’s a grocery list of everything you’re gonna need!

Ingredients for Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Bars:

Melted butter
Brown sugar
Oats
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sour cream
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla
Salt
Sweetened, dried cranberries

Ingredient Substitutes

Brown sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup (reduce liquid slightly if using syrup).
Oats: Quick oats can be used, though the texture may differ slightly (your oatmeal bars will be much softer).
All-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour or almond flour can be used for a healthier twist.
Sour cream: Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese can provide a similar creaminess.
Granulated sugar: Use honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.

What Tools Do You Need for Making Baked Oatmeal Bars?

Mixing bowls
9x9 baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or fork
Rubber spatula
Oven

Mixing Bowls

Measuring Cups

Mixing Spoons

Oven Mitts

9x9 Baking Dish

A Step-by-Step Summary for Making

Baked Oatmeal Bars:

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, oats, flour, brown sugar, and baking powder to create the oat crumble mixture. Set aside half of this mixture. Press the remaining oat mixture into a greased 9x9 baking dish to form the bottom layer. Bake this layer for 15-20 minutes until it lightly browns around the edges.

While the base layer is baking, prepare the filling by mixing together sour cream, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla, salt, and dried cranberries. Once the base is ready, pour the filling over it evenly. Finally, crumble the reserved oat mixture on top and return the dish to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling has set. Allow the bars to cool slightly before serving.

Watch the Tutorial Video Here:

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Tips to Make the Very Best Oat Crumble:

For an exceptional oat crumble, ensure that your butter is melted but not too hot; this helps maintain a crumbly texture. When mixing the ingredients, aim for a consistency where the oats are evenly coated without becoming too mushy. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

How to Prevent Your Crumble from Melting in the Oven:

To prevent your crumble from becoming overly soft or melty, ensure that the base layer is sufficiently baked before adding the filling. This initial baking allows for a sturdier foundation. Additionally, avoid over-mixing the crumble; it should retain some texture rather than becoming a paste. Finally, monitor the baking time closely, as overbaking can lead to a dry texture.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Cranberry Oatmeal Bars!

Recipe for Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Bars: