The perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and nutty, Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars make a delightful snack or breakfast option. Packed with wholesome oats, tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans, these bars are a treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Let’s dive into how you can make these flavorful bars right at home.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. - Incorporate Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Add in the orange zest for a fresh, zesty kick. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until fully combined. - Fold in the Cranberries and Pecans
Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. - Press into the Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. - Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. - Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. If you’d like, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice to create a simple glaze, and drizzle it over the cooled bars. - Cut and Serve
Once the bars are fully cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These bars are best served at room temperature and can be enjoyed as a grab-and-go breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can, but fresh cranberries will add extra moisture to the bars. You may need to adjust the baking time and possibly reduce other liquids slightly.
2. Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds work well as substitutes for pecans.
3. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I skip the orange glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional. The bars are flavorful on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of orange.
Enjoy crafting these delectable Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars to brighten up your day!
PrintCranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars
These oatmeal bars combine the tangy flavors of cranberries and orange with the nuttiness of pecans, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or a midday snack
- Category: Snack, Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Oatmeal Base and Topping:
- 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Zest and juice of one medium orange
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Oatmeal Base and Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract; mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Press about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cranberry layer.
- Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the top, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.
- Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice on top of the cooled bars.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.