Indulge in the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with these irresistible Cranberry Date Bars! Made with a luscious, homemade filling of dried cranberries, pitted dates, and a splash of zesty orange juice, this recipe brings a burst of bright, fruity flavor to every bite. The crumbly oat crust and golden topping, infused with rich butter and a hint of vanilla, create the ideal companion to the jam-like filling. These easy-to-make bars are baked to perfection in just 30 minutes, making them an excellent choice for a holiday dessert, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat to share with loved ones. With their combination of wholesome ingredients and a vibrant filling, Cranberry Date Bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your recipe collection.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the dried cranberries, pitted dates, orange juice, water, and granulated sugar.
Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened, the dates have broken down, and the mixture has a thick, jam-like consistency. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until combined.
Add the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt to the butter mixture, and stir until it forms a crumbly dough.
Press half of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Spread the cranberry-date filling evenly over the bottom crust.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the filling layer, pressing gently to ensure it adheres slightly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and firm.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 16 squares and serve.
Calories |
3464 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.1 g | 133% | |
| Saturated Fat | 62.0 g | 310% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 258 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 1016 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 620.2 g | 226% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 42.3 g | 151% | |
| Total Sugars | 433.9 g | ||
| Protein | 28.7 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 329 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 2559 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.