These oatmeal cranberry bars are packed with tart cranberries, toasted walnuts, and nutritious oats. They make an irresistible snack or dessert!
These oatmeal cranberry bars are the perfect example of a treat that brings value to your body. With all the snacking that I do, I’m always trying to find recipes that are wholesome — and these bars are it. I love the balance of the buttery sweetness from the dough and the bright, tart flavor from the cranberries. The texture and flavor of these bars are so, so good… I can’t wait for you guys to try them!
Looking for more “bar” treats? These chocolate chip granola bars never last long in our house, and the ingredients are way cleaner than most grocery store versions.
How To Make Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
I’m a firm believer that snacking should be easy, quick, and good for you. These oatmeal cranberry bars only take 15 minutes of hands-on prep, then they’re finished off in the oven.
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat together the butter and both sugars, then mix in the eggs. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Combine the dry and wet mixtures.
- Add the mix-ins: Stir in the oats, vanilla extract, walnuts, and cranberries.
- Bake the bars: Spread the dough into the baking dish and bake it for 30 minutes.
Tips For the Best Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
These bars are simple, but a few tricks ensure they come out perfectly tender, flavorful, and sliceable every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Toast the walnuts ahead of time. For extra flavor, toast the walnuts at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Line the pan with parchment paper. This makes the bars way easier to lift out for clean cutting. Make sure to leave an overhang!
- Use your favorite oats. I prefer the more discreet texture of quick-cook oats, but if you’re out of them or you want chewier bars with a coarser texture, opt for old-fashioned rolled oats. Give them a quick grind in a food processor to break them down.
- Avoid overmixing. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the bars tough instead of chewy.
- Add more mix-ins. Try white chocolate chips, orange zest, or a dash of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.
- Swap other dried fruits for the cranberries (optional). If you don’t have cranberries on hand, use raisins or dried cherries instead.
- Let the bars fully cool before cutting them. If you try to dig in while they’re warm, they’ll fall apart.
Storage
These oatmeal cranberry bars are such a mom win because they’re so versatile — you can pack them in lunchboxes, serve them with coffee or tea, or even add them to a holiday cookie platter.
- Short-term storage: Store the bars for up to five days in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Long-term storage: Store the bars for up to three months in the freezer by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in an airtight container. Thaw the bars at room temperature before enjoying.
More Easy Snacks
- Peanut Butter Protein Balls — Throw everything into a food processor, blend, and that’s it!
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds — Crunchy, simple, and loaded with nutrients
- Air Fryer Potato Chips — The easiest and most delicious way to skip extra grease
- Chia Pudding — Only three ingredients and super filling
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2¼ cups quick-cook oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts toasted & chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined.
- Stir in the oats, vanilla extract, walnuts, and cranberries.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the mixture for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow it to cool completely before cutting it into bars. Enjoy!
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