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
Scale
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.
