Cranberry and white chocolate squares
Serves 16
Nutritional information
PER SERVING: Calories 348; Protein 5 g; Fat 17 g; Carbohydrate 46 g; Fiber 2 g; Iron 1 mg; Calcium 37 mg; Sodium 267 mg.
Looking to bake a colorful dessert for the holidays? These cranberry and white chocolate squares are perfect for brightening up your gatherings! The soft, oat-based base provides a comforting touch. Frozen cranberries offer a lovely fruity tartness. Mixed with a little orange juice, they become even more fragrant and juicy. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cranberry's more vibrant flavor. Easy to cut into individual portions, these squares are ideal for potlucks, gourmet gift boxes, or sweet treats to enjoy after a winter activity!
Ingredients
500 ml (2 cups) of frozen cranberries
250 ml (1 cup) of sugar
30 ml (2 tbsp) cornstarch
125 ml (½ cup) of orange juice
250 ml (1 cup) of flour
7.5 ml (½ tbsp) of baking soda
1.25 ml (¼ tsp) of salt
250 ml (1 cup) of butter
180 ml (¾ cup) of brown sugar
375 ml (1 1/2 cups) of quick-cooking rolled oats
250 ml (1 cup) of white chocolate chips
Steps
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and orange juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low-medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a compote-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix the flour with the baking soda, salt, butter, brown sugar and oat flakes until you get a crumbly mixture.
Line a 20 cm (8 in) square baking tin with parchment paper, then spread half of the oat mixture evenly over the base. Smooth the surface by pressing down with a spatula. Cover with the cranberry mixture. Smooth the surface again. Top with the remaining oat mixture.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the oatmeal mixture.
Cut the mixture into 16 squares. Place the squares in airtight containers and freeze.
Allow the squares to defrost in the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
