Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars

$To make the perfect Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup rolled oats - ½ cup brown sugar - ¼ cup granulated sugar - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Zest of 1 orange - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) You can easily swap some ingredients based on what you have or need. For flour, use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. If you want to reduce sugar, try using applesauce or mashed banana. It adds sweetness and moisture. If you cannot find cranberries, feel free to use blueberries or cherries. They work well too. Lastly, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. When picking cranberries, look for bright, firm berries. They should be deep red and shiny. Avoid any that are soft or have blemishes. Fresh cranberries are usually in stores during fall and winter. If you can't find fresh ones, frozen cranberries are a great choice and work just as well. Just make sure to chop them before adding to the mix. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. 2. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. 3. In a large mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir until mixed well. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Use ½ cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and zest from 1 orange. Mix until smooth. 5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful here; overmixing can make the bars tough. 6. Fold in 1 cup of chopped cranberries. If you like, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts for extra crunch. Mix until they are evenly spread through the batter. 7. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. - Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. - To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. 1. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up. 2. Carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. 3. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Enjoy these delicious Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars! To get the best texture, measure your flour carefully. Too much flour makes the bars dry. Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. You want a soft and chewy center. Baking time is key; check at 25 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the center should bounce back when touched. For a flavor boost, try adding a pinch of cinnamon. It pairs well with orange and cranberry. Consider adding a splash of almond extract for extra depth. Chopped walnuts add crunch and flavor, but they are optional. If you want a sweeter touch, drizzle honey or maple syrup on top after baking. One common mistake is not prepping the pan well. Greasing and lining the pan helps with easy removal. Another mistake is skipping the orange zest. It brightens the bars with a fresh taste. Avoid baking too long; it can dry out the bars. Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process. Let them cool completely before cutting for neat squares. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: If available, opt for fresh cranberries for a burst of flavor. Frozen cranberries can work too, but fresh ones offer a brighter taste. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the batter before baking and adjust the sugar if you prefer a sweeter bar. Remember that cranberries add a natural tartness. Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different texture and flavor profile. You can also omit nuts for a nut-free version. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness. {{image_2}} You can change up the fruits or nuts in this recipe. If you want a twist, try using dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries. Both options bring a different flavor that pairs well with orange zest. You can also swap walnuts for pecans or almonds. Each nut adds its own crunch and taste. If you need a gluten-free version, it’s easy! Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free too. This way, you can enjoy these bars without worry. They will still be soft and tasty. You can add special flavors based on the season. In winter, add some cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. In spring, try fresh lemon zest for a bright taste. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a fun treat. Each change can make your bars unique and exciting. To keep your Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers. This helps the bars not stick together. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great! First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. These bars can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature. To enjoy warm bars, you can reheat them easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This will make them warm and soft again. You can also use a microwave. Heat them for 15-20 seconds, but watch closely! Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just chop them before adding. They will work well and add great flavor. Make sure to thaw them first if you want less moisture. This helps keep the bars from getting too soggy. These bars can last about five days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container. You can also store them in the fridge for a longer shelf life. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. These bliss bars pair well with many treats. Serve them with whipped cream for a creamy touch. You can also enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A warm drink, like tea or coffee, complements them nicely too. This blog post covered the essential ingredients and useful tips for making Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars. We explored how to pick fresh cranberries, step-by-step baking instructions, and common mistakes to avoid. We also shared storage tips and flavor variations. In summary, making these bars is simple and fun. With the right ingredients and methods, you can create a tasty treat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your creations!$

Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars

Delicious bars combining the tartness of cranberries with the zest of orange.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup rolled oats
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup granulated sugar
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 unit Zest of 1 orange
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your delightful Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars!

Notes

For added crunch, include walnuts.

Keyword bars, cranberry, dessert, orange