Sure thing! Here’s the recipe for scrumptious Cranberry Caramel Bars that will surely steal the spotlight on your dessert table, whether it’s for autumn gatherings or Thanksgiving feasts! 🍂🦃
Cranberry Caramel Bars
Description: These delightful bars, featuring the tartness of fresh cranberries balanced with the sweetness of caramel, are perfect for autumn or holiday gatherings. They make for a delicious dessert or snack, and they’re bound to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions:
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Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
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Prepare the Base Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour (reserving the remaining 1/3 cup for later) with the sugar, baking soda, and oatmeal.
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Incorporate Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
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Set Aside Reserve Mixture: Measure out 1 cup of the crumbly mixture and set it aside for later use.
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Press into Pan: Press the remaining crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
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Bake the Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and set.
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Add Cranberries and Pecans: After removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle the fresh cranberries and chopped pecans evenly over the baked crust.
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Prepare Caramel Mixture: In a separate bowl, stir together the caramel and the reserved 1/3 cup of flour until well combined.
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Layer Caramel: Spoon the caramel mixture over the cranberries and pecans, spreading it out evenly.
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Sprinkle Reserve Mixture: Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumbly mixture evenly over the caramel layer.
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Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and serve.
These Cranberry Caramel Bars are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. They’re a delightful treat that captures the flavors of fall and the warmth of the holiday season, making them a must-have addition to any dessert spread!
