If you’re looking for a snack that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe. Imagine the chewy oats blended with tangy dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and the bright zest of fresh orange, all sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup. These bars deliver a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making them ideal for a quick breakfast, an energizing snack, or a delightful treat any time of day. Plus, they’re simple to make and packed with ingredients that not only taste amazing but also bring a vibrant, colorful touch to your snack stash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these bars lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a unique element that balances health and flavor, making the final product satisfyingly textured and delightfully tasty.
- 2 cups rolled oats: The hearty base that provides chewiness and heart-healthy fiber.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: These add a burst of tart sweetness and beautiful red pops throughout.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: For crunchiness and a rich, buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup: Natural sweetness that binds the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity undertone without excess sugar.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Provides a tender crumb and a hint of tropical richness.
- Zest of 1 orange: Fresh citrus zing that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the overall aroma and taste with warm sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A cozy spice that complements the fruit and nuts beautifully.
- Pinch of sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them shine just a bit brighter.
How to Make Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper—it’ll make removing the bars effortless and keep them intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. This combination sets the flavorful foundation of the bars.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the honey or maple syrup with the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture will add moisture and natural sweetness, binding everything perfectly.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated and combined. The mixture will be slightly sticky, which is just what you want for firm, chewy bars.
Step 5: Press and Shape
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and press it down firmly and evenly. A solid press here ensures your bars hold together well after baking, making slicing easier and cleaner.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown, signaling a perfect bake with just the right texture.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial; it helps the bars set properly for neat squares. Once cooled, slice into 12 bars and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a charming finish. For a fresh twist, a thin drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars turns them into a lovely dessert.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a morning boost. If you want to serve them as part of a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side complements the oat bars wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these bars as part of a parfait with yogurt and berries for a colorful and tasty presentation. Alternatively, cut them into smaller bite-size squares and arrange on a platter for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any unused bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their chewy texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
These oatmeal bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually or place parchment paper between layers in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy snack whenever you want.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a low oven for 5 minutes. Warming them enhances the aroma of the orange zest and spices, making every bite extra comforting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries have higher moisture content and a more tart flavor, which could affect the texture and sweetness. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for this recipe to maintain the bars’ chewy texture.
Is there a substitute for coconut oil?
You can substitute coconut oil with melted butter or another neutral oil like avocado oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note that complements the orange zest nicely.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your vanilla extract doesn’t contain any animal products. This makes the recipe fully plant-based without sacrificing taste.
How do I prevent the bars from becoming too dry?
Make sure to measure the wet ingredients carefully and don’t overbake the bars. Baking just until the edges turn golden helps keep them moist and chewy instead of dry and crumbly.
Can I add other nuts or seeds?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by swapping pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even adding pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. Just keep the total nut quantity the same for balance.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite whenever I want a snack that feels both nourishing and indulgent. With its wonderful blend of textures and flavors, it’s perfect for sharing with family or keeping all to yourself. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas while you enjoy a snack that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat!
Print
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack, combining tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and bright orange zest with a naturally sweetened oat base. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a healthy afternoon treat, these bars are baked to golden perfection and provide a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution of all dry components.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Mix thoroughly until the oat mixture is fully coated and a sticky dough forms.
- Press Mixture Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together when sliced.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown, indicating they are cooked through and ready.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the block into 12 equal squares for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a vegan option.
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
