Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Let me introduce you to your new favorite make-ahead snack or breakfast: Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars. Chewy, golden, and packed with bold bursts of tart cranberry and zesty orange, these bars are everything you want in a wholesome snack. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, while honey brings just enough sweetness to keep things irresistible. Whether you’re grabbing a bar on the way out the door or sharing a batch with loved ones over coffee, every bite is a deliciously satisfying invitation to slow down and savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to unforgettable Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars is all in the ingredients. Each one, though simple, plays an important part in crafting that crave-worthy harmony of flavors and textures. Let’s break down what makes them shine:

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring the chewy, heartwarming foundation to the bars and keep them perfectly toothsome.
  • All-purpose flour: Binds everything together and helps set the ideal bar structure for easy slicing.
  • Baking soda: Gives a little lift and lightness to the dough so the bars don’t get heavy.
  • Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with the fruits and nuts.
  • Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the bars rich moisture and a subtle buttery finish.
  • Honey or maple syrup: Infuses natural sweetness, keeps the bars moist, and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with hints of molasses for extra softness.
  • Large egg: Provides structure and ensures everything binds together.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and introduces irresistible aromatic notes.
  • Orange zest: Gives the bars a pop of vibrant citrus sunshine in every bite.
  • Dried cranberries: Offer chewy, tart-sweet brightness to cut through the other rich flavors.
  • Chopped pecans: Deliver crunchy, nutty goodness for the perfect texture contrast.

How to Make Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This no-fuss step guarantees you’ll be able to lift those bars out in one smooth piece, and it makes cleanup a breeze. If you love crisp edges, let a bit of parchment hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them until they’re well blended. These dry ingredients team up to form the hearty foundation that gives the Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars their signature chew and subtle spice.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and that wonderfully fragrant orange zest. This golden mixture is where the bar’s sweetness, richness, and bright citrus notes come together.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough; you want everything to come together so the bars stay tender with a cohesive texture. It will smell heavenly at this stage!

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Pecans

Now fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Their chewy, tart, and nutty bursts are what set these oatmeal bars apart from ordinary snacks. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bar gets a bit of both.

Step 6: Press and Bake

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and press it in firmly and evenly. This is key for bars that hold together and don’t crumble when sliced. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set. Let the aroma of toasted oats and citrus transform your kitchen!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Patience pays off here: let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This will give you neat squares that hold their shape and don’t fall apart. Grab a sharp knife and cut into bars or squares—your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are ready to savor.

How to Serve Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, dust the bars with a little powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple citrus glaze (whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice). A handful of extra chopped pecans scattered on top or a curl of orange zest makes them look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Turn your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars into a special breakfast or brunch spread by serving them with creamy Greek yogurt, a bowl of mixed berries, or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, a steaming mug of chai or spiced coffee pairs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board studded with little bowls of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. Wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for sweet, portable snacks. Or, crumble them over ice cream for an easy, crunchy dessert twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To keep them extra fresh, tuck a small piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually in parchment and then place them in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Just let them thaw at room temperature whenever you need a quick snack or breakfast.

Reheating

If you prefer your oatmeal bars warmed up, pop one in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. They’ll taste as if you just baked them, with all the comforting flavors highlighted by a touch of warmth.

FAQs

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds both work well and offer their own unique crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them to about the same size as the pecans for even distribution.

Are the Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?

As the recipe is written, they aren’t gluten-free, but simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free for a celiac-friendly treat.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are a little too tart and juicy here, so dried cranberries are best. If you only have fresh, consider cooking them down with a bit of sugar before folding them in, but dried gives the ideal chewy texture.

Do these bars work as a grab-and-go breakfast?

They sure do! These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are hearty enough to keep you full through the morning, and portable enough to toss in your bag for busy days.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time—look for those golden edges and a set center as your cue.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars yet, you’re in for an irresistible treat. They’re sweet, tangy, nutty, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for any season and every occasion. I hope you’ll give them a try and share a batch with the people you love!

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Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe

4.5 from 12 reviews

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and tart with these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars. These wholesome bars are packed with oats, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, making them a delicious snack or breakfast option.

  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Category: Snack, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Mix-ins:

  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Prepare wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and orange zest.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Add mix-ins: Fold in dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
  6. Bake: Press the mixture into the pan and bake for 25–28 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Cool and slice: Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or use walnuts instead of pecans.
  • Bars can be stored at room temperature for several days or frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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