Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe – Easy Homemade Granola Bars

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe – Easy Homemade Granola Bars

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick and easy snack that doesn’t compromise on taste. These Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bars are exactly that – a little slice of happiness you can whip up in minutes. I first made these when my niece was visiting, and they were a HUGE hit! They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a little homemade gift. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are seriously the best of both worlds. They’ve got that lovely chewy texture from the oats, a burst of sweetness from the cranberries and honey, and, of course, the irresistible melt of chocolate. Plus, they’re so much healthier than store-bought granola bars, and you know exactly what’s going into them. Honestly, once you try making these, you’ll never go back to the packaged stuff!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these delicious bars:

• 2 ½ cups Old fashioned Rolled Oats
• ½ cup Almonds, chopped
• ⅓ cup Honey
• ¼ cup Butter
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar
• A pinch of Salt
• 1 tsp Vanilla essence
• ½ cup Dried Cranberries
• 3 tbsp Raisins
• ¼ cup + 2 tbsp Mini chocolate chips

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Types and Texture

Old fashioned rolled oats are key here. Quick oats will make the bars too soft, and steel-cut oats won’t bind properly. About 170g of rolled oats is equivalent to 2 ½ cups.

Almonds: Regional Variations & Toasting Tips

I love using almonds for that lovely crunch, but you can definitely swap them out (more on that later!). In India, you’ll find a beautiful variety of almonds – mamra almonds are particularly prized for their quality. Toasting the almonds really brings out their flavour.

Honey: Sourcing & Flavor Profiles

The honey you use will impact the flavour. I prefer a good quality wildflower honey, but any honey you like will work. Around 213g of honey is equivalent to ⅓ cup.

Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted – Which to Use?

I usually use salted butter because I like the balance of flavours. If you’re using unsalted, just add a tiny bit more salt to the mix. About 57g of butter is equivalent to ¼ cup.

Dried Cranberries & Raisins: Quality & Storage

Good quality dried cranberries and raisins make a big difference. Make sure they’re plump and chewy, not hard and dry. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Chocolate Chips: Dark, Milk, or White – Choosing the Right Kind

This is where you can really personalize things! I’m a dark chocolate girl myself, but milk or white chocolate chips work beautifully too. About 60g of chocolate chips is equivalent to ¼ cup.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. Roughly chop the almonds into 3-4 pieces each and coarsely chop the dried cranberries. Set the cranberries aside.
2. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
3. Toast the oats in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. You can also bake them at 180°C (350°F) for the same amount of time. Separately, toast the almonds until fragrant – keep a close eye on them, they burn easily!
4. Combine the toasted oats and almonds in a large bowl.
5. In a saucepan, melt the butter, honey, brown sugar, and salt over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 1 minute, stirring until everything is nicely combined. Stir in the vanilla essence.
6. Pour the warm syrup over the oat mixture and mix well until everything is evenly coated. Let it cool for about 5 minutes – it’ll be hot!
7. Add the cranberries, raisins, and ¼ cup of the chocolate chips to the mixture. Give it a good stir.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands (a piece of parchment paper on top of your hands helps prevent sticking!).
9. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
10. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
11. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip toasting the oats and almonds – it really enhances the flavour.
• Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is crucial for getting nice, neat bars.
• For easier slicing, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.

Variations

These bars are a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Bars

Simply swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative and ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly. My friend, Priya, swears by this version!

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cranberry Bars

Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. Oats can sometimes be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.

Adjusting Spice Levels (Adding Cinnamon or Nutmeg)

A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a lovely warmth. My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom – it’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali or Christmas Gifting)

Package these bars in pretty boxes with ribbons for a lovely homemade gift. They’re always a hit during Diwali and Christmas!

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect with a cup of chai or coffee. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on hikes.

Storage Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQs

How do I prevent the bars from being too crumbly?

Make sure you press the mixture really firmly into the pan. Also, letting them cool completely before slicing helps.

Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or cashews would all be delicious.

Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Yes! They actually taste even better after a day or two in the fridge.

What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?

As mentioned before, running a sharp knife under hot water and wiping it clean between cuts works wonders.

Can I add other dried fruits like apricots or cherries?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your favourite dried fruits.