These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are a deliciously chewy and flavorful treat. Packed with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacking, or as a sweet dessert. Easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients, these bars are as nourishing as they are tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Flavor: The combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors is irresistible.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with oats, cranberries, and nuts, these bars are a healthier snack option.
- Great for On-the-Go: Perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or as a post-workout treat.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite dried fruits or nuts to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Old-fashioned oats
- All-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Dried cranberries
- Pecans, chopped
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey or maple syrup, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Press into Pan: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares or rectangles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
- Extra Sweetness: Add white chocolate chips or drizzle the cooled bars with melted chocolate.
- Different Fruit: Swap cranberries for dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer and less chewy.
2. What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to gently remove the orange zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
3. Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg pairs beautifully with the cranberry and orange flavors.
4. Are these bars suitable for kids?
Yes, they make a great snack for kids. Just chop the pecans finely if needed for younger children.
5. Can I make these sugar-free?
You can replace the brown sugar with a sugar substitute or increase the honey or maple syrup slightly.
6. How do I make sure the bars hold together?
Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking and let them cool completely before cutting.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
8. What’s a good topping for these bars?
A drizzle of orange glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes a lovely finishing touch.
9. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are best for this recipe, but if using fresh, cook them down slightly with sugar to reduce tartness.
10. Are these bars healthy?
Yes, they’re a wholesome treat with oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners. You can make them even healthier by reducing the sugar.
Conclusion
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are a flavorful and wholesome treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Easy to make and packed with vibrant flavors and textures, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a light dessert, they’re a delicious way to brighten your day. Try them today!
Print
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with the zesty flavor of orange, the sweetness of cranberries, and the crunch of pecans. Perfect as a snack, breakfast on the go, or a holiday treat!
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup (120 g) dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
- Combine the mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Bake the bars:
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
- Cut and serve:
- Once the bars are cooled and the glaze is set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used instead of dried cranberries for a more tart flavor; adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Add white chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.