Caramel Cranberry Bars

Holiday baking is one of the most anticipated traditions of the Christmas season. The delightful smell of freshly baked treats wafting through the house is enough to bring joy to the hearts of all who enter. Today, we have a special recipe that combines the rich flavors of caramel with the tartness of cranberries in a delicious dessert perfect for any festive gathering. These Caramel Cranberry Bars are the ideal treat to share with family and friends during the holiday season.

**Caramel Cranberry Bars**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 3/4 cup of caramel sauce
– 1 cup of dried cranberries

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars.

2. **Prepare the Crust:** In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Add the melted butter and mix until the ingredients come together to form a crumbly mixture.

3. **Assembly:** Take about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

4. **Layering:** Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the warm crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the dried cranberries on top of the caramel.

5. **Finishing Touch:** Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the cranberries and gently press it down. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top layer.

6. **Bake and Cool:** Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.

7. **Cut and Serve:** When the bars are completely cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper if used. Cut the Caramel Cranberry Bars into squares or bars of your desired size. They are now ready to be served and enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive holiday drink.

These Caramel Cranberry Bars are a delightful combination of flavors that will surely impress your guests this holiday season. The sweet caramel paired with the tangy cranberries creates a perfect balance of taste in every bite. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or simply want to enjoy a cozy evening at home, these bars are a delicious treat to share with your loved ones. So, whip up a batch of these delightful bars and spread some holiday cheer with this delightful Christmas baking recipe!