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Cranberry Chocolate Oatmeal Bars


I found this recipe in an old Kraft "What's Cooking" magazine.  It's not only good but good for you!

  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 squares dark chocolate, chopped (I used the 70% dark chocolate baking squares) or chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

  1. Preheat oven to 350º F.
  2. Grease 9"x13" pan. (or line with parchment paper) Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, add orange juice to cranberries and cook on high in microwave for 30 seconds. Let cool about 10 minutes.
  4. Beat margarine and brown sugar in mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well between additions.
  6. Combine all dry ingredients in another bowl.
  7. Add dry ingredients to batter, mixing well.
  8. Add cranberries and orange juice, chocolate and pecans.  Stir to combine.
  9. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
  10. Bake 18-20 minutes or until set.
  11. Cool completely before cutting.
  12. These will freeze well.
from the kitchen of

8 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 15, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    If I used Cranraisins, would I need to soak them in the OJ do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 15, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    I would think that Cranraisins/ dried cranberries are the same thing?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bev KOctober 15, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    I've never heard the term Cran/raisins - they are called Craisins here in Canada and yes, they are soaked in the orange juice.

    ReplyDelete
  4. BettyOctober 15, 2013 at 3:08 PM

    Bev, oh my these bars are delicious! I did not have dried cranberries so I used fresh cranberries but didn't cook them with orange juice. I just added the orange juice to the batter. I needed to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time..maybe because of the extra moistness. Next time I bake them..oh yes there will be a next time, I will have dried cranberries on hand and do them up proper:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. RosellaOctober 15, 2013 at 4:54 PM

    Those look really good Bev! I love healthy bars like this - as I hit the print button!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 16, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    I think they are actually called Craisins. I just forgot!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sue KOctober 20, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    I am allergic to nuts, and added toasted coconut instead, there are SOOOO good! I did have to bake more than it called for.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousOctober 22, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    Made them and loved them. The chocolate chips and the craisins were a bit different together. Maybe next time I might try white chocolate chips.

    ReplyDelete

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