Bright Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Whipping up these delightful cranberry, orange & pecan oatmeal bars offers a cozy winter afternoon treat that feels like a warm hug.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in every single bite.

Bursts of bright citrus mingle perfectly with tart cranberries and rich pecans.

Each ingredient tells a delicious story of comfort and texture.

Home bakers can easily craft these bars with simple pantry staples.

Wholesome oats provide a hearty base that makes these treats irresistibly satisfying.

Come explore this simple yet elegant recipe that promises to delight your taste buds.

Why Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Are a Favorite

• Packed with kid-approved ingredients like sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, these bars appeal to all ages and taste buds.
• Perfect for packed lunches, afternoon snacks, breakfast on-the-go, or even a light dessert that satisfies sweet cravings without guilt.
• Combines hearty oats, protein-rich nuts, and fruity cranberries for a nutritionally balanced treat that provides sustained energy throughout the day.

Ingredients for Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

• Oats: Hearty base that gives a wholesome texture and nutty flavor.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a moist texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and moisture.
• Honey: Natural sweetener with rich, complex flavor.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aromatic flavor.

• Dried Cranberries, Pecans: Add bursts of tangy fruit and nutty crunch.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the recipe.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze topping.
• Orange Juice: Adds citrus flavor and helps create glaze consistency.

How to Make Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Rolled oats
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Stir them together until well combined.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh orange zest

Blend until the mixture looks silky and consistent.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

• Dried cranberries
• Chopped pecans

Stir carefully to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, making sure it’s even. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a clean toothpick test. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Create Zesty Glaze (Optional)

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Once cooled and glazed, cut into squares or rectangles. These bars will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days- if they last that long!

Useful Tips for Perfect Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

• Customize Sweetness Levels: Swap honey or maple syrup with alternative sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut sugar to match personal taste preferences.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Replace a portion of flour with ground flaxseed or chia seeds to increase fiber and omega-3 content in the bars.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat dried cranberries thoroughly before folding into the mixture to avoid excess moisture that could make bars dense or wet.
• Create Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free oat flour or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Master Perfect Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to achieve clean, precise bar edges and professional-looking presentation.

Saving and Reheating Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking, keeping fresh for 5-7 days.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Restore softness by microwaving for 10-15 seconds.
• Briefly warm bars in toaster oven or microwave to revive their original moisture and bring back the just-baked taste.

What Works Best Alongside Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

• Complement the orange zest and cranberry with a light, fragrant earl grey or orange-infused herbal tea that enhances the bars' bright citrus notes.
• Serve alongside a cold glass of vanilla almond milk or a smooth Greek yogurt to balance the bar's nutty, fruity texture and provide a cool, creamy contrast.
• Pair with a light dessert wine like moscato or riesling, which will highlight the oatmeal bar's sweet, tangy flavors without overwhelming the delicate orange and cranberry undertones.
• Enjoy with a mild cappuccino or smooth latte that echoes the warmth of the baked pecans and complements the oatmeal's comforting base, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.

Ideas to Customize Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

• Gluten-Free Wonder: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or certified gluten-free oat flour for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Delight: Swap egg with flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based sweeteners like agave nectar.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the same crunchy texture.

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet cranberry, orange & pecan oatmeal bars blend zesty citrus notes with nutty crunch, creating a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. Warm spices and wholesome oats make these bars an irresistible comfort classic you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (150 g) old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

Dry Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed

Wet and Flavor Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup (120 g) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans

Glaze (optional):

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 12 tablespoons (180 ml) fresh orange juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring easy bar removal.
2. Create a dry ingredient base by thoroughly mixing oats, flour, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Craft a smooth liquid foundation by whisking melted butter, brown sugar, honey, egg, vanilla extract, and vibrant orange zest until completely integrated.
4. Merge the dry and wet mixtures, gently folding until just combined, then carefully incorporate dried cranberries and roughly chopped pecans throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the consolidated mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer that will transform into delectable bars.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a clean toothpick test indicating perfect doneness.
7. Allow the baked bars to cool completely within the pan, enabling them to set and develop a stable texture.
8. Optional: Create a luminous glaze by blending powdered sugar and orange juice until silky smooth, then delicately drizzle over the cooled bars.
9. Once fully cooled and glazed, slice into precise squares or rectangles, then store in an airtight container where they’ll remain fresh for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Customize the texture by adjusting the baking time slightly; less time means softer, chewier bars while longer baking creates a crispier edge.
• Swap pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free oats and flour blend to make this recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Replace honey with agave nectar or coconut sugar for alternative sweetening options that maintain similar moisture and binding properties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg