Delightful Cranberry Orange Oat Bars Recipe for Everyone

Cranberry orange oat bars are an explosion of flavors that come together in a delightful snack. Imagine biting into a chewy, sweet treat bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange, all wrapped in a comforting oat blanket. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to take a taste.

These bars have been a staple in my home for years, often making an appearance at family gatherings or cozy afternoons with friends. There’s something magical about sharing these delicious treats that brightens any occasion and fills the air with sweet anticipation.

One time, I brought these bars to a potluck, and they vanished faster than you can say “cranberry.” Everyone raved about the flavors, asking for the recipe like it was some secret family treasure.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Use hearty oats for texture; they give these bars their classic chewiness.
• Fresh Cranberries: Opt for firm, bright cranberries that pack a punch of tartness; dried cranberries work too if you prefer.
• Fresh Orange Zest: Zest from an organic orange brings out vibrant citrus notes; avoid using processed alternatives.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeten naturally with honey or maple syrup; both options complement the flavors beautifully.
• Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter adds creaminess; pick your favorite for added richness.
• Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon enhances warmth and depth; fresh ground works wonders if you have it on hand.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Oat Bars

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed. This step ensures each bite has that nice warm flavor.

Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together honey or maple syrup, nut butter, and orange zest until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and aromatic.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix gradually. Stir until everything is uniformly coated and sticky – it’s getting exciting!

Add Cranberries: Gently fold in fresh cranberries until evenly dispersed throughout the mixture. Feel free to taste-test – quality control is important after all!

Bake: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Press firmly into an even layer using your hands or a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown around the edges.

Let them cool before slicing into bars. Enjoy as a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack that’s sure to brighten your day!

These cranberry orange oat bars are not just snacks; they bring joy to any moment you choose to enjoy them!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then fold in wet ingredients for even distribution. Baking evenly ensures you don’t end up with gooey centers or burnt edges.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap dried cranberries for raisins or nuts for added crunch. For a touch of spice, sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg. Customize these bars to fit your taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Cranberry Orange Oat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If freezing, wrap tightly and reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

I once made these bars for a family picnic, and they vanished faster than I could say “Cranberry Orange”! My aunt asked if I could make them every week; no pressure there!

FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be used but will alter sweetness and moisture levels.

How long do these bars last?

Cranberry Orange Oat Bars stay fresh for about one week when stored properly.

What’s the best way to cut the bars?

Wait until they’re completely cool before cutting them into squares; this prevents crumbling.

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Cranberry Orange Oat Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 bars 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of cranberry orange oat bars, where chewy rolled oats meet tart cranberries and zesty orange. This wholesome snack is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, bringing a burst of flavor and vibrant colors to any gathering. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or dried, if preferred)
• Zest of 1 organic orange
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup nut butter (almond or peanut)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together honey or maple syrup, nut butter, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Gradually combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients until well mixed.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries.
6. Press the mixture into your prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
7. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 50g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg