Description

These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, delicious snack or breakfast option packed with nutritious rolled oats, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and bright orange zest. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup and balanced with warm cinnamon, these bars are easy to make and perfect for on-the-go energy.

Ingredients

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: 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.
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. Stir them until evenly distributed.
Combine 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 blended.
Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined into a sticky batter.
Press the mixture in the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly to create an even, compact layer for bars.
Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the bars are set.
Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish to firm up before slicing into 12 equal squares for serving.

Notes

Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan once cooled.
Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
These bars freeze well; wrap individually and thaw at room temperature before eating.