Description
These Cranberry Bog Bars feature chewy oat layers filled with tart whole berry cranberry sauce and sweetened condensed milk, topped with crunchy chopped nuts. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Bar Base and Topping
- 1 ½ cups quick oats
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup butter, melted
Filling
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the quick oats, all purpose flour, packed brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Add Butter and Combine: Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly, ensuring the butter is well incorporated.
- Press Base Layer: Take half of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even base layer.
- Add Cranberry Sauce and Condensed Milk: Spread the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the oat base. Then, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cranberry layer to add sweetness and moisture.
- Add Nuts and Top Layer: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the cranberry and milk layers. Finally, crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top, covering the nuts.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans briefly before adding them.
- You can substitute the whole berry cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar if preferred.
- These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
- Ensure bars are fully cooled before cutting to maintain clean slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
