Description
These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars offer a deliciously wholesome snack or breakfast option. Made with hearty rolled oats, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a hint of fresh orange zest, they are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and perfectly spiced with cinnamon. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars provide a satisfying combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
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 and prepare baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- 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, ensuring even distribution of the flavors.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and mix until fully combined and the oat mixture is evenly coated.
- Press mixture into dish. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it firmly and spreading it out evenly to ensure the bars hold together after baking.
- Bake the bars. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and slice. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps them firm up, then lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative to honey.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger can enhance the warm flavor profile.
