The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.

Cranberry Orange Pecan Oatmeal Bars

Introduction

Delightful Cranberry Orange Pecan Oatmeal Bars

These delightful Cranberry Orange Pecan Oatmeal Bars are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they’re also packed with wholesome goodness! 🌟 Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, these bars are deliciously versatile. Let’s dive into how to whip up this yummy recipe together!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Rolled oats

2 cups

Dried cranberries

1 cup

Chopped pecans

1/2 cup

Honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup

Unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup

Melted coconut oil

1/4 cup

Zest of 1 orange

1

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

Ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon

Sea salt

A pinch

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield in french

Temps de cuisson: 25-30 minutes
Temps total: 35-40 minutes
Rendement: 16 barres

Now, let’s get baking!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This little trick helps you get those cute bars out without any fuss! 👍

2. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Give it a good mix so that all those lovely ingredients become friends!

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup, if you prefer) with the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and blended. This adds a lovely sweetness and moisture to your bars! 🌼

4. Now, it’s time to combine the mixtures! Pour the liquid goodness into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir everything together until they are perfectly united.

5. Transfer this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly. We want these bars to hold together beautifully!

6. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen and it’ll be tough to wait!

7. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is the hardest part! Once cooled, cut them into squares and savor each bite of your homemade snack! 😋

These little bars are sure to be a hit, whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself! Happy baking, and enjoy the deliciousness!

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This little trick helps you get those cute bars out without any fuss!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Give it a good mix so that all those lovely ingredients become friends!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup, if you prefer) with the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and blended. This adds a lovely sweetness and moisture to your bars!

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Now, it’s time to combine the mixtures! Pour the liquid goodness into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir everything together until they are perfectly united.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly and evenly. We want these bars to hold together beautifully!

Step 6: Bake

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen and it’ll be tough to wait!

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is the hardest part! Once cooled, cut them into squares and savor each bite of your homemade snack!

Notes

Tip for Storage

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness!

Variations

Feel free to customize the nuts or dried fruits based on your preferences. Almonds, walnuts, or even dried cherries would be great alternatives!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these bars on their own or pair them with a dollop of yogurt for an extra delicious treat!

Cook techniques

Oven Preheating

Preheating your oven ensures that the bars bake evenly, achieving that perfect golden brown on the edges. Set it to 350°F (175°C) before starting your preparation.

Lining the Baking Dish

Using parchment paper to line your baking dish makes it easier to remove the bars once they are cooled, preventing them from sticking to the dish.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

Tossing the rolled oats, cranberries, pecans, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt together thoroughly ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Whisking Wet Ingredients

Combine the honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds sweetness and moisture, crucial for a soft texture.

Combining Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined to ensure every bar is flavorful and cohesive.

Pressing the Mixture

Pressing the combined mixture firmly into the baking dish helps the bars hold together and improves their texture after baking.

Baking Time

Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring the edges for a golden brown color, which indicates that they are done. The delightful aroma is a bonus!

Cooling the Bars

Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This helps them set and ensures they won’t crumble apart.

FAQ

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While quick oats can be used, rolled oats provide better texture and help the bars hold together.

How should I store the oatmeal bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut or seed?

Absolutely! Feel free to use almonds, walnuts, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a nut-free option.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure your other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

What can I add for extra flavor?

You can add chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chia seeds for added texture and flavor variations.

Conclusion

These delightful Cranberry Orange Pecan Oatmeal Bars are not only a satisfying treat for any time of the day but also a nutritious choice that your taste buds will thank you for! Packed with wholesome ingredients, they offer a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that make them a perfect addition to your breakfast, snack options, or even a sweet dessert. Enjoy the flexibility of these bars and the joy they bring to your table!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

For a rich, indulgent twist, consider adding peanut butter and chocolate chips to your oatmeal bars. The creamy peanut butter pairs beautifully with oats, and the chocolate chips add that sweet factor everyone loves.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars

Enhance your bars with grated apples and an extra dose of cinnamon for a warm, comforting flavor. This combination is reminiscent of a delicious apple pie and is perfect for autumn!

Mixed Berry Almond Oatmeal Bars

Swap the cranberries for mixed dried berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, and add some chopped almonds for a delightful fruity twist that is both colorful and tasty.

Banana Walnut Oatmeal Bars

Incorporate mashed ripe bananas and walnuts into the mix for a delightful banana nut flavor. This can be a great way to utilize overripe bananas while adding natural sweetness.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Bars

For a decadent treat, mix in some dark chocolate chunks and dried cherries. This combination offers a rich taste while still retaining the healthiness of the oats.

Matcha Coconut Oatmeal Bars

Experiment with matcha powder and shredded coconut for a unique flavor profile. The earthy matcha and tropical coconut will transport your taste buds to a different realm!

Peach Almond Oatmeal Bars

Incorporate fresh or dried peaches along with slivered almonds for a refreshing, summery treat. The juicy peach flavor combined with crunchy almonds creates a delightful chewiness.

Enjoy exploring these variations and find your ultimate favorite oatmeal bar blend! Happy baking!