Decadent Chocolate-Cranberry Oat Bars
Indulge in these extraordinary Decadent Chocolate-Cranberry Oat Bars that perfectly balance rich chocolate, tangy cranberries, and hearty oats. Originating from a beloved Kraft recipe, these bars are irresistibly moist and packed with flavor. The combination of chewy cranberries and chocolatey goodness makes them a delightful treat or a convenient on-the-go snack. By scaling back the brown sugar, you can enjoy these bars with fewer calories without sacrificing taste. You can also swap in mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey flavor. Perfect for parties, picnics, or an afternoon pick-me-up, you'll want to keep this recipe close at hand!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried cranberries
1 cup (Soaked in orange juice)
Orange juice
1/4 cup (For soaking cranberries)
Flour
1 1/2 cups (All-purpose flour)
Quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups (Uncooked)
Baking powder
1 teaspoon (Leavening agent)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To enhance flavor)
Margarine
3/4 cup (Softened)
Brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (Firmly packed)
Eggs
2 (Large)
Semi-sweet chocolate baking squares
4 (Coarsely chopped)
Pecan pieces
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a microwaveable bowl, combine the dried cranberries and orange juice. Heat on HIGH for 30 seconds, then let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the cranberries to soak.
3
While the cranberries are soaking, whisk together the flour, quick-cooking oats, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Set this mixture aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened margarine with the firmly packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
6
Gradually add the flour-oat mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the cranberry mixture, chopped chocolate, and pecan pieces until evenly distributed.
7
Pour the dough into a greased 13x9-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into 24 bars.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate-Cranberry Oat Bars?
They are a rich treat that balances chocolate, tangy cranberries, and hearty oats, originating from a beloved Kraft recipe.
What ingredients are needed for these bars?
You will need dried cranberries, orange juice, flour, quick-cooking oats, baking powder, salt, margarine, brown sugar, eggs, semi-sweet chocolate, and pecans.
How do I prepare the cranberries?
Combine the dried cranberries and orange juice in a bowl, microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, and let them soak for 10 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I substitute the chocolate baking squares?
Yes, you can swap in mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey flavor.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes until they are lightly browned.
How many bars does this recipe produce?
Once cooled, the recipe should be cut into 24 individual bars.
What kind of oats should be used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of uncooked quick-cooking oats.
Is it possible to make these bars with fewer calories?
Yes, you can scale back the brown sugar to reduce calories without sacrificing the taste.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should pour the dough into a greased 13x9-inch baking pan.
What is the role of orange juice in this recipe?
Orange juice is used to soak and hydrate the dried cranberries, adding moisture and flavor.
How should the margarine and sugar be mixed?
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened margarine with the firmly packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
How do I add the eggs to the mixture?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until they are fully incorporated.
When should the dry ingredients be added?
Gradually add the flour-oat mixture to the wet ingredients after the eggs have been incorporated.
How do I know when the bars are finished cooking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the surface is lightly browned.
Should the bars be cooled before cutting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them.
Does this recipe include nuts?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of chopped pecan pieces for added texture.
What size baking pan is required?
A standard 13x9-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of chocolate baking squares are used?
The recipe specifies 4 semi-sweet chocolate baking squares, coarsely chopped.
Is there any salt in these bars?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Can these bars be taken on a picnic?
Yes, they are described as a convenient on-the-go snack perfect for picnics or parties.
What is the leavening agent used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help the bars rise.
How should the brown sugar be measured?
The brown sugar should be firmly packed into the measuring cup.
When do I stir in the pecans and chocolate?
Stir them in along with the cranberry mixture after combining the flour-oat mixture with the wet ingredients.
What makes these bars moist?
The combination of soaked cranberries, margarine, and eggs creates an irresistibly moist texture.
How do I ensure the dough is baked evenly?
Make sure to spread the dough evenly across the greased baking pan before placing it in the oven.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead?
The recipe specifically calls for quick-cooking oats; steel-cut oats may not provide the desired texture.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that is packed with flavor and simple to prepare.
What should I do after removing the pan from the oven?
Place the pan on a wire rack to allow the bars to cool completely.