Cranberry Oatmeal Square
Cranberry Oatmeal Squares offer a delightful blend of tart cranberry sauce and sweet, chewy oat crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, their vibrant flavor and crumbly texture make them a crowd-pleaser suitable for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the crushed pineapple, vanilla, baking soda, and salt with the cranberry sauce.
- In a separate bowl, combine the margarine or butter, brown sugar, and the dry mixture of oats and flour until well blended.
- Press half of the dry mixture into a greased 7 x 11-inch baking pan firmly.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the pressed crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining dry mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider using old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats. If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can replace half of the brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce. Also, feel free to experiment with different fruit sauces, like using Grandma Straub's Chili Sauce for a savory twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cranberry oatmeal squares as a delightful breakfast option or a sweet afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt. These squares are also a great addition to holiday gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry oatmeal squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the squares, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Oatmeal Square contains roughly 305 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 655mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries by cooking them down with sugar and a bit of water to create a homemade sauce. This will give your squares a fresher taste, but make sure to adjust the sugar levels according to your preference.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free. This will give you the same delicious texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
How can I add more flavor to the oatmeal squares?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture. Additionally, incorporating chopped nuts or dried fruits can provide more depth and variety to the overall taste of the squares.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).