Caramel Cranberry Bars

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling
Yield 2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
“My mom created this wonderful dessert after tasting something similar,” writes Debbie Kersh in Springtown, Texas. The sweet bars boast a tangy cranberry flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
  • 1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup sugar, divided
  • 2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine cranberries, dates, pecans and 2 tablespoons sugar; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Stir in butter; set aside 1 cup for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, place the remaining 1/3 cup flour in a small bowl. Stir in caramel topping until smooth; set aside. Sprinkle cranberry mixture over crust; drizzle with caramel mixture. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
  4. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, 30-35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 254 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.

“My mom created this wonderful dessert after tasting something similar,” writes Debbie Kersh in Springtown, Texas. The sweet bars boast a tangy cranberry flavor.
Recipe Creator

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