Description
These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars offer a deliciously wholesome snack with a perfect balance of tart cranberries, nutty pecans, and refreshing orange zest. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and bound together with applesauce and coconut oil, these bars are easy to make, nutritious, and perfect for breakfast or an on-the-go treat.
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 Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt to evenly distribute flavors and textures.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined to create the sweet and binding mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir until everything is uniformly incorporated to help the bars hold together after baking.
- Press Mixture into Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and firmly press it down with the back of a spoon or your fingers, spreading it evenly to ensure compact bars.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars and slice into 12 equal squares for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to make these bars vegan-friendly.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Ensure bars cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
