Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry-Orange Oat Bars offer a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. The chewy oats provide a hearty base, while the orange zest and juice add a refreshing, citrusy zing that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries. The bars are not only flavorful but also packed with fiber and nutrients, making them a great option for a healthy snack or a light breakfast. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be stored for several days, so you’ll always have a delicious, homemade treat on hand.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup, for a refined sugar-free option)
1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
Zest of 1 orange
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh, if in season)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

3. Mix the wet ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or butter), orange juice, orange zest, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for a chewy texture.
Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped nuts (if using).

5. Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bars are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and serve:

Let the bars cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are great on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9-12 bars (depending on size)
Total time: 45 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add more fruit: You can substitute the dried cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or even chopped fresh fruit like apples or pears.
Use different nuts: Walnuts, almonds, and pecans all work well in these bars, adding both flavor and crunch.
Vegan version: To make these bars vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter or oil.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for a little extra warmth and spice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cranberry-orange oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Reheating: If you like them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but be sure to chop them finely as they are much juicier than dried cranberries. You may also need to increase the bake time slightly.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to check that the oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I substitute the coconut oil with another fat?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with unsalted butter or vegetable oil. The texture and flavor may change slightly, but they will still be delicious.

Can I make these bars sweeter?

Yes, if you prefer a sweeter bar, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup by 1-2 tablespoons. You can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top after baking.

How can I make these bars more filling?

To make these bars more filling, you can add a scoop of protein powder or chia seeds for an extra protein boost. You can also add ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the batter for added fiber.

Conclusion

Cranberry-Orange Oat Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that brings together the zesty flavor of orange with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped up in a chewy oat base. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a healthy dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. They’re easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and perfect for the holiday season or any time of year. Enjoy these flavorful, portable bars on-the-go or with a cup of tea for the ultimate treat!