Oatmeal Cranberry Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)
Super easy gluten-free cranberry oatmeal bars are a combination of sweet and tart with an oatmeal cookie drizzled with vanilla orange glaze. Recipe with a dairy-free option.
Super easy gluten-free cranberry oatmeal bars are a combination of sweet and tart with an oatmeal cookie drizzled with vanilla orange glaze. Recipe with a dairy-free option.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 salt
- 1 12oz package cranberries
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (or water)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried orange peel ((optional))
- 2 cups gluten-free oats (i like bob's red mill)
- 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour (i like pillsbury g
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum ( leave out if your flour already has it in it)
- 1 cup butter (melted (earth balance or smart balance fo
- 1 8oz package chopped sugared dates
- 2 tablespoons orange juice or milk ((i used almond milk))
- 1/8 teaspoon dried orange peel ((optional))
- Carbohydrate 21.3731844486748 g
- Cholesterol 13.5569444444444 mg
- Fat 5.11841166667092 g
- Fiber 0.00294444444444444 g
- Protein 0.0770938888888889 g
- Saturated Fat 3.23986000000085 g
- Serving Size 1 1 bar (28g)
- Sodium 41.533555555598 mg
- Sugar 21.3702400042303 g
- Trans Fat 0.35814633333325 g
- Calories 129 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Spray a 9x13 glass pan with gluten-free cooking spray.
- Place the cranberries, dates and orange juice (or water) and dried orange peel (optional) in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until berries pop, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat; stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- Mix all-purpose gluten-free flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Stir in melted butter, until the mixture is nice and crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Bake 8 minutes.
- Spoon cranberry mixture over baked crust bottom.
- Smooth with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture and pat down gently.
- Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes.
- In a small bowl combine the glaze ingredients and stir until it's nice and smooth.
- Drizzle with the glaze.
- Cool completely and cut into bars.
- Cover bars with plastic wrap, foil or store in an air-tight container. These are even better the second day.
Oatmeal Cranberry Bars: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake often feels like a luxury. But sometimes, the craving for a homemade treat is just too strong to ignore. That’s where these Oatmeal Cranberry Bars come in. They're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and offering a delicious reward without hours spent in the kitchen. The beautiful blend of tart cranberries and sweet oatmeal creates a perfect balance of flavors, a delightful contrast that’s equally satisfying after a long workday or a fun weekend activity.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It’s naturally gluten-free, but even better, it easily caters to dairy-free needs. I often use a dairy-free butter alternative like Earth Balance or Smart Balance for the perfect texture without compromising on taste. The flexibility of this recipe makes it a go-to for me, knowing I can always adjust it to suit whatever dietary restrictions I or my family might have at the time. This makes baking a stress-free joy instead of a complicated chore, fitting comfortably into my busy schedule without compromising on quality or taste.
Beyond the ease and flexibility, these bars also make a fantastic treat for sharing. They're perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a relaxing afternoon. I've brought these to work potlucks more than once, and they’re always a hit. They’re delicious enough to impress but simple enough that I don’t feel any pressure to create a culinary masterpiece. Their versatility extends beyond the occasion; they're just as delightful enjoyed by themselves as a snack or as a complement to a larger meal.
One of my favorite things about these bars is how well they keep. They're delicious fresh from the oven, but they actually taste even better the next day! This is a major plus for busy schedules, because it means I can bake a batch over the weekend and have a delicious, readily available snack or dessert throughout the week. Storing them properly in an airtight container keeps them fresh and moist, ensuring that each bite is just as enjoyable as the first.
The combination of tart cranberries and sweet oatmeal creates a wonderful textural contrast, too. The slightly chewy oatmeal base provides a satisfying texture against the burst of juicy cranberries. The subtle orange notes in the glaze add a sophisticated touch, elevating the simple recipe to something truly special. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps me coming back for more.
I often find myself modifying recipes to fit my personal preferences. I sometimes experiment with adding different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for an extra layer of warmth. Or, I’ll play around with different types of nuts or seeds to add a bit of crunch. The great thing about baking is that it’s an art form that invites experimentation; you can always create your own variations and personalize the recipe to suit your palate. And these bars provide an excellent base for those creative endeavors.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and versatile treat that caters to various dietary needs, I highly recommend giving these Oatmeal Cranberry Bars a try. They're the perfect solution for busy lives and satisfying sweet cravings. The compliments from colleagues and friends are an added bonus, making this recipe a true winner in my book. They're a delightful combination of simple, delicious, and adaptable, perfectly suited to the needs of a busy life.
