If you’re looking for a snack that’s irresistibly chewy, a little tangy, and delightfully nutty, these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars will brighten up any day. Imagine soft golden bars dotted with jewel-like cranberries, flecks of zesty orange, and crunchy pecans all tucked into a wholesome oat base—it’s the flavor of cozy mornings and sunny afternoons rolled into one. Whether you need a lunchbox treat, an energy-boosting snack, or a sweet finish to your meal, this is the recipe you’ll want to bake on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This bar recipe proves that simple, quality ingredients can transform into something spectacular. Each element brings something special to the table, from hearty texture to bright bursts of flavor and a satisfying, toasty crunch.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give these bars their wonderfully chewy body and wholesome appeal.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind everything together, ensuring perfect slicing and structure.
- Baking soda: Provides lift for a tender bite without making the bars cakey.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the sweetness and lets the flavors shine.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms up every bite with gentle spice and comfort.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich moisture, giving these bars a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown sugar (packed): Contributes sweet, caramelly notes and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- Honey: A dash of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the citrus and fruit.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with pleasing depth and aroma.
- Orange zest: Infuses the whole batch with bright, refreshing citrus that makes the fruit flavors pop.
- Orange juice: A splash enhances the zest and moistens the dough just right.
- Dried cranberries: Tiny bursts of tart-sweet flavor and a beautiful ruby color.
- Chopped pecans: Offer toasty crunch and buttery richness in every bite.
How to Make Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it’s hot and ready for baking. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some overhang for easy bar removal later—no sticking means perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step is all about evenly blending the flavors and leavening for consistent results. A quick whisk is all it takes to set up the foundation of your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until it’s fluffy and light. This not only guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth texture but also builds a rich, sweet foundation that balances the bar’s bright citrus notes.
Step 4: Add Wet Flavors
Stir in the honey, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice to your creamed mixture. The honey melds seamlessly with the brown sugar, while the orange elements add vibrance and freshness—essential for achieving the signature flavor of Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing just until everything is fully combined. Don’t overwork it! You want to preserve some texture while ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and Pecans
Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. This ensures they’re evenly distributed, so each slice features those poppy, tart gems and satisfying pecan crunch.
Step 7: Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan, pressing it in gently for an even layer. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—this crucial step prevents crumbling and ensures clean, neat slices. Once cool, lift out using the parchment and cut into 12 perfectly sized bars. Now, they’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars
Garnishes
Add a flourish of powdered sugar for a snowy finish or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to really pop the cranberry and orange flavors. For festive occasions, a scattering of extra orange zest or a few whole cranberries makes the bars look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars alongside a steaming mug of tea or a cool glass of milk—they’re the perfect companion to both! For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit and creamy Greek yogurt for a balanced, colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment and bakery twine for grab-and-go breakfasts or school snacks. Stack them on a cake stand for brunch, or cut into smaller bites for an elegant addition to dessert platters. These bars also make thoughtful edible gifts during the holidays—just tuck them into a cute box!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your bars fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer parchment between the bars if you’re stacking them, which helps lock in moisture and makes it easy to grab just one at a time.
Freezing
If you want to make Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when a craving hits.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave a bar for about 10–15 seconds before serving. This softens the cranberries and makes the orange aroma bloom afresh, as if the bars just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute another nut for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts make an excellent swap and bring a different type Snack. If you have allergies, try sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch and a nut-free alternative.
Are these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?
Not as written, since they use all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and confirm your oats are certified gluten-free.
What kind of honey works best?
A mild, light honey keeps the flavors balanced, but feel free to experiment with orange blossom or wildflower honey for a subtle twist. Maple syrup is also a delicious swap, lending a new layer of warmth and sweetness.
How do I make the bars less sweet?
Try reducing the brown sugar by a tablespoon or two, or use unsweetened dried cranberries if you want to cut back on sugar. The orange and nuts will still provide plenty of flavor!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan to double the batch. Keep an eye on the baking time—you may need a few extra minutes to ensure the cranberry, orange & pecan oatmeal bars are set and golden.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars a try in your own kitchen—they’re every bit as special as they sound. With bright citrus, tart cranberry, and nutty pecan all bundled into a craveable oat base, they’re sure to become a go-to for any occasion. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share a few with friends!
Print
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a wholesome snack or breakfast on-the-go. The combination of sweet cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans make these bars a tasty treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in honey, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Bake: Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- You can swap pecans for walnuts or use maple syrup instead of honey for variation.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
