Desserts > American Desserts > American Bars > Oatmeal Bars

Oatmeal Cranberry Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined. Add vanilla and mix.
5. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until just combined.
6. Stir in oats, cranberries, and walnuts (if using).
7. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 24 bars

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with coconut oil
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar
- Light brown sugar can be substituted with dark brown sugar
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or dried cherries
- Walnuts can be substituted with almonds or pecans

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter bar
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a spiced flavor

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to use softened butter, not melted butter.
- Use a light hand when stirring in the flour mixture. Over-mixing can result in tough bars.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter with fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of yogurt or a bowl of fresh fruit.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the bars are too dry, add a tablespoon of butter to the batter.
- If the bars are too crumbly, add an extra egg to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to store the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from spoiling.

Food History:
Oatmeal cranberry bars are a classic American dessert that has been around for generations.

Flavor Profiles:
These bars have a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of tartness from the cranberries.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an after-dinner treat or as a snack throughout the day.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Tart, Chewy