Chocolate Cranberry Bars
Delicious bars combining tart cranberries and rich chocolate, perfect for gatherings or as a snack.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Mixture
- 12 oz whole cranberries Juicy and bursting with tartness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness to balance the tartness.
- 3/4 cup water Helps create a syrupy mixture.
For the Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base for a tender and chewy texture.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar Gives sweetness to the batter.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder Adds lift to your bars.
- 1 teaspoon ginger Adds a warming spice.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Offers a comforting aroma.
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats Adds a hearty texture.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed) Brings in a caramel-like flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup milk Contributes to the moistness.
- 3/4 cup butter (melted) Provides richness and depth of flavor.
- 2 eggs lightly beaten Binds the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (preferably dark) These pieces melt into the bars.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of water. Cook while stirring occasionally until all the cranberries have popped and the mixture is thick like jam, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prep a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish by coating it with baking spray or greasing it with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
- Add in the remaining dry ingredients: ginger, cinnamon, rolled oats, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: vanilla extract, milk, melted butter, and lightly beaten eggs into the dry mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the mixture, then spread the remaining batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pat down with a spatula.
- Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the bottom layer.
- Layer the cooled cranberry mixture over the chocolate chips evenly.
- Dollop the reserved batter over the cranberry layer using tablespoons; it will expand during baking.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. After 4-5 hours, cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Using fresh cranberries gives bright flavor. Frozen cranberries work as well. Consider adding nuts for a crunchy texture, and drizzle melted chocolate before cutting for a professional touch.