Description

There’s something extra special about the tangy tartness of cranberries.  When paired with a sweet buttery oat crumble, the flavor pairing is tough to beat.

These cranberry oat crumble squares are a hit all year long with frozen cranberries, but with fresh cranberries during the holiday season, they should be a must at one of your get togethers.

Active Time: 15 min.

Total Time: 55 – 65 min. + rest time

Servings: 12-16 bars 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Base & Crumble:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Roadmap:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
6. Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
7. Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the crust.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crumble topping evenly over the cranberry filling.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
11. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 or 16 squares.

Sometimes I even cut them into 32 cute little bites for parties. The small bites are extra fun!

If you’re a crumb cake fan like I am, you’re going to love the addition of oats in the crumble & the knockout punch, of sweet & tangy cranberries!