Introduction
Introducing a delightful twist on a classic treat: Cranberry Caramel Bliss Bars! Perfectly balanced with the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of caramel, these bars are a festive indulgence fit for any occasion. Get ready to savor the rich flavors and gooey textures that make these bars a must-try!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
200g all-purpose flour
150g rolled oats
100g granulated sugar
150g packed brown sugar
5g baking soda
3g salt
200g unsalted butter, melted
150ml caramel sauce
80g dried cranberries
100g white chocolate chips
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23x23cm (9×9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients form a crumbly mixture.
4. Reserve about 100g of this mixture for the topping, then press the remaining mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan.
5. Evenly pour the caramel sauce over the base, spreading gently with a spatula.
6. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
7. Crumble the reserved oat mixture on top to create a crumb topping.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before slicing into squares.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to a warm 180°C (350°F). This will ensure your Cranberry Caramel Bliss Bars bake evenly, becoming perfectly golden brown. Line a 23x23cm (9×9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal of the bars once they are baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients to create a harmonious blend that will serve as the base of your bars.
Step 3: Incorporate the Melted Butter
Gently pour in the melted unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Using a spatula or your hands, mix well until the ingredients come together in a crumbly texture. This mixture will be the foundation of your bliss bars, providing both structure and flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Base
Set aside approximately 100g of your crumbly mixture for the topping later. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking pan, creating a solid and even layer that will support the luscious caramel and toppings.
Step 5: Add the Caramel
Carefully pour the caramel sauce over the pressed base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every corner is generously coated. The caramel’s sweet aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, promising a delightful sweetness in every bite.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Toppings
Evenly distribute the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips over the caramel layer. The tartness of the cranberries will beautifully contrast with the sweet caramel, while the white chocolate will add a creamy richness.
Step 7: Finish with Crumble
Crumble the reserved oat mixture generously on top, creating a delightful topping that will add texture and a crunchy finish to your bliss bars.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want the top to turn a lovely golden brown and the caramel to start bubbling delightfully.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. Patience is key as cooling will allow the gooey caramel to set. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Storage Advice
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the dried cranberries with raisins or chopped nuts for added crunch. Dark chocolate chips can also replace the white chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These bliss bars are perfect on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays or as a sweet treat for gatherings.
Perfecting Your Bars
For uniform squares, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, and wipe it clean between cuts. This simple step helps maintain the bars’ beautiful appearance and ensures neat servings for guests.
Savor the Aroma
As these bliss bars bake, the tantalizing scent of caramel and oats will waft through your home, making it hard to resist until they cool completely! Enjoy the process as much as the delicious end result.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, oats, sugars, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl to ensure an even distribution of the dry components before adding wet ingredients.
Creating a Crumbly Mixture
Pour melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a good texture in the crust.
Pressing the Base
Firmly press the mixture into the prepared baking pan to create a stable base for the bars. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for consistent baking.
Layering Ingredients
Pour caramel sauce evenly over the crust before adding cranberries and white chocolate chips. This layering helps meld the flavors together during baking.
Crumble Topping
Reserve a portion of the crumb mixture to create a topping, which adds texture and a delightful crunch to the bars once baked.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling. Keeping an eye on the bars during baking ensures they don’t overcook.
Cooling
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before slicing. This step is essential to maintain the structure of the bars.
FAQ
Can I substitute the dried cranberries with fresh ones?
Using fresh cranberries is possible, but they are more tart and may require additional sugar to balance the flavors.
What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
You can substitute with dark chocolate chips or butterscotch chips if preferred; however, this will change the flavor profile.
How should I store the Cranberry Caramel Bliss Bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring the oats are certified gluten-free.
Is it possible to make the bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and stored properly until you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cranberry Caramel Bliss Bars are an exquisite treat that perfectly harmonizes the tartness of cranberries with the rich sweetness of caramel. Their delightful flavor profile and gooey texture make them an irresistible choice for festive gatherings or a sweet snack anytime. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of taste and texture.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars
For those who adore chocolate, combine a layer of hazelnut spread with a crunchy topping of chocolate and hazelnuts for a nutty, chocolaty delight.
Almond Joy Bars
Incorporate shredded coconut and almond slices for a tropical twist, drizzled with chocolate on top for a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of the classic candy bar.
Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars
Use diced fresh apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar as a filling, topped with a crumble made from oats, flour, and butter for a comforting fall treat.
Lemon Blueberry Bliss Bars
Swap cranberries for fresh blueberries and add a zesty lemon layer to create a refreshing, tangy sweet treat that brightens any occasion.
Pumpkin Spice Dessert Bars
Introduce warm spices and pumpkin puree into the mix for a seasonal delight that pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting for added richness.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Elevate your bliss bars by mixing creamy peanut butter into the batter and adding chocolate chips for a mouthwatering chocolate-peanut butter combination.
