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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Create a dry ingredient base by thoroughly mixing oats, flour, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Craft a smooth liquid foundation by whisking melted butter, brown sugar, honey, egg, vanilla extract, and vibrant orange zest until completely integrated.
- Merge the dry and wet mixtures, gently folding until just combined, then carefully incorporate dried cranberries and roughly chopped pecans throughout the batter.
- Transfer the consolidated mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer that will transform into delectable bars.
- 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.
- Allow the baked bars to cool completely within the pan, enabling them to set and develop a stable texture.
- Optional: Create a luminous glaze by blending powdered sugar and orange juice until silky smooth, then delicately drizzle over the cooled bars.
- 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