Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and zest! Our Orange Cranberry Oat Bars with Browned Butter are not just a snack; they’re a burst of flavor wrapped in a chewy, wholesome package. Imagine the rich, nutty aroma of browned butter mingling with the tartness of cranberries and the refreshing zing of orange zest—it's a combination that will have your taste buds dancing! Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast on the go or a delicious afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are the answer. Ready to elevate your snacking game? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This process typically takes 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Add the orange zest to the dry ingredients, stirring to incorporate the citrusy flavor throughout the mixture.
- Pour the browned butter into the dry ingredients. Mix well until the mixture becomes crumbly and all ingredients are evenly moistened.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining mixture over the top, creating a crumbly surface that will become golden and crisp during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 even squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Perfect the Browned Butter: Keep a close eye on the butter as it melts. The key is to achieve that golden brown color without burning it. The nutty flavor of browned butter is what makes these bars truly special!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh dried cranberries and high-quality butter. The quality of your ingredients will shine through in the final product.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: Adding orange zest is crucial for enhancing the citrus flavor. Use a microplane to finely grate the zest, ensuring it distributes evenly throughout the mixture.
- Press Firmly: When you press the mixture into the baking pan, make sure it's compact. This will help the bars hold their shape once baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least an hour before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your bars! Try adding chopped nuts, seeds, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top for a little extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
