Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars – A Zesty, Nutty Treat! 🥜 🍊

I made these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars last week, and let me tell you, they were a hit! I had some family over, and everyone from the kids to the adults couldn’t get enough of these zesty, nutty treats. The tartness of the cranberries combined with the bright citrusy notes from the orange and the crunch from the pecans made for a perfect balance of flavors. Even my husband, who’s usually not one for oatmeal-based desserts, devoured several bars! They’re not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s safe to say that this recipe is going to become a regular in our household. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful treat, you’ve found it right here.

---

Why You’ll Love Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors. The chewy oatmeal base provides a hearty foundation, while the tangy dried cranberries offer a refreshing burst of tartness. The orange zest adds a citrusy zing, making these bars feel light and refreshing, and the pecans give them the perfect amount of crunch and nuttiness. Not only are these bars a delicious treat, but they’re also packed with fiber and healthy fats, making them a great option for breakfast, snack time, or a midday pick-me-up.

Plus, the recipe is super easy to follow, and it’s one of those desserts that will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing. With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, these oatmeal bars are perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. You’ll find that these bars quickly become a family favorite, and they’re great for packing in lunchboxes or serving at gatherings.

---

Ingredients

For the base and filling:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of one orange
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the topping (optional):

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted butter, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Add the orange zest and stir to combine.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly combined. Add the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, and fold them into the mixture gently.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. If you’d like a bit more texture on top, sprinkle the additional chopped pecans and sugar on top of the batter.
6. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles as desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars with a cup of tea or as a snack throughout the day.

---

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9-12 bars (depending on how large you cut them)
Calories per serving (1 bar, based on 9 servings): Approximately 200 calories

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

---

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes

---

How to Serve

These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:

• For breakfast: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious, on-the-go breakfast.
• As a snack: Perfect for mid-afternoon cravings, pair with a handful of nuts or some yogurt for a balanced snack.
• For dessert: Serve with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
• Pack in lunchboxes: These bars are sturdy and easy to pack, making them a great option for school or work lunches.
• For a gathering: Serve them on a platter at your next brunch or family gathering for a sweet, homemade touch.

---

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Orange Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh-squeezed orange juice instead of bottled juice.
2. Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
3. Customize the Nuts: If you prefer another type of nut, try using walnuts, almonds, or pistachios instead of pecans.
4. Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
5. Increase Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter bars, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the batter.

---

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?
   Yes, you can swap out cranberries for dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots.
2. Can I use fresh pecans instead of chopped?
   Yes, fresh pecans can be used. Just chop them to your desired size before adding them to the batter.
3. How do I know when the bars are done?
   The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I make these bars vegan?
   Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter for a plant-based version.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
6. What other nuts can I use?
   Walnuts, almonds, or cashews would all work well in place of pecans.
7. Do I have to use orange zest?
   Orange zest adds a nice citrus flavor, but if you prefer, you can skip it or substitute it with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
8. How can I make these bars more chewy?
   For chewier bars, use less flour and more oats, or add an extra tablespoon of butter or applesauce to the batter.
9. Can I add chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! Chocolate chips would complement the cranberries and pecans nicely.
10. How can I make the bars more crunchy?
    To add more crunch, increase the amount of pecans and sprinkle some over the top of the bars before baking.

---

Conclusion

These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors. With their chewy texture, citrusy zing, and hearty oatmeal base, they’re perfect for any occasion—from a quick breakfast to an afternoon snack or dessert. The recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or packing them in lunchboxes, these bars are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give them a try and enjoy the zesty, nutty goodness in every bite!

Print