Grandma Laverne’s Sour Cream Cranberry Bars

Grandma Laverne's Sour Cream Cranberry Bars Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40-45 minutes | Servings: 12-16

Introduction

Grandma Laverne's Sour Cream Cranberry Bars are a delightful and tangy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. These bars are a family favorite and are sure to be a hit with your loved ones. The combination of sweet dried cranberries, creamy sour cream, and crunchy oats creates a delicious treat that is hard to resist.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in our family and has always been a beloved dessert during the holiday season. Grandma Laverne used to make these bars for special occasions, and they quickly became a staple at family gatherings. The sweet and tart flavors of the cranberries combined with the creamy sour cream filling make these bars a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup softened butter
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 and a half cups cake flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups sweetened dried cranberries
1 cup sour cream
0.75 cup sugar
2 tbsp cake flour
1 tbsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar and butter using a spoon.
Stir in the oats, flour, and baking soda until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press half of the mixture onto the bottom of an ungreased rectangular pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
In another large bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients.
Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the filling.
Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the filling sets.
Allow the dish to cool completely for about 1 hour.

Variations

You can substitute the dried cranberries with other dried fruits such as cherries or blueberries.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm and spicy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the oat mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base for the bars.

- Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can become dry. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making these bars is to ensure that the filling is fully set before removing them from the oven. This will prevent the bars from being too runny.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cake flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the bars into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These bars pair well with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grandma Laverne's Sour Cream Cranberry Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grandma Laverne's Sour Cream Cranberry Bars contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grandma Laverne's Sour Cream Cranberry Bars contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Grandma Laverne's Sour Cream Cranberry Bars contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These bars are a good source of iron and vitamin C, thanks to the dried cranberries.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Grandma Laverne's Sour Cream Cranberry Bars are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provide some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Grandma Laverne's Sour Cream Cranberry Bars are a delicious and unique dessert that is sure to become a family favorite. With a sweet and tart flavor profile and a creamy filling, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat that will warm your heart.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Grandma Laverne’s Sour Cream Cranberry Bars. It was a brisk autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and gold, and there was a crispness in the air that signaled the arrival of my favorite season. As I rummaged through my old recipe box, looking for something new and exciting to bake, I came across a faded index card with the title scrawled in my grandmother’s elegant handwriting.

I remember my grandmother, Laverne, as a warm and loving woman who always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She was a talented cook and baker, and her kitchen was always filled with the delicious aromas of her latest creations. I learned so much from her over the years, and I cherished the time we spent together in her cozy kitchen, baking and laughing and sharing stories.

As I read through the recipe for the Sour Cream Cranberry Bars, memories of baking with Grandma Laverne came flooding back to me. I could almost hear her gentle voice guiding me through the steps, her hands deftly mixing and measuring, her patient encouragement spurring me on to create something delicious. I knew I had to make these bars in her honor, to pay tribute to the wonderful woman who had taught me so much about cooking and baking.

The recipe itself was simple and straightforward, with just a few basic ingredients that I already had on hand. I gathered together flour, sugar, butter, sour cream, cranberries, and a few other essentials, and set to work in my own kitchen. As I mixed and measured and baked, I felt Grandma Laverne’s presence beside me, guiding my hands and sharing in the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious.

The bars emerged from the oven golden brown and fragrant, with a tantalizing hint of cranberry peeking through the creamy sour cream topping. I couldn’t wait to taste them, to see if they lived up to my memories of Grandma Laverne’s baking. I sliced into the warm bars and took a bite, savoring the perfect balance of tart cranberry and sweet cream, the buttery crust crumbling delicately on my tongue.

As I savored the flavors of the Sour Cream Cranberry Bars, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother, a link that transcended time and space. I knew that she was watching over me, smiling her approval and nodding in satisfaction at my successful recreation of her beloved recipe. I felt her love and her warmth surrounding me, filling me with a sense of peace and contentment.

I packaged up the bars in a pretty tin and set off to visit my own grandchildren, eager to share with them the story of Grandma Laverne and her famous Sour Cream Cranberry Bars. As we sat around the kitchen table, laughing and talking and enjoying the bars together, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the gifts that my grandmother had given me, the love and the knowledge and the joy of creating something delicious to share with those I love.

And as I watched my grandchildren’s faces light up with delight as they tasted the bars, I knew that Grandma Laverne’s legacy would live on for generations to come, in the recipes and the stories and the memories that we shared together in our cozy kitchen. And I knew that I would always treasure the moment I stumbled upon the recipe for Grandma Laverne’s Sour Cream Cranberry Bars, and the connection it brought me to the wonderful woman who had taught me so much about cooking, baking, and love.