When you need a treat that’s both bursting with flavor and comforting, look no further than Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars. These bakery-style bars hit all the high notes: chewy oats, buttery richness, zesty citrus, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion. One bite is all it takes to taste why these bars have become a go-to in my baking repertoire!

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars is all about the harmony between simple pantry staples and flavorful add-ins. Each ingredient has a purpose, from building a hearty base to delivering that signature festive taste and texture.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the bars a rich, tender crumb and allows you to control the salt level.
Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and helps retain moisture for the perfect chewy bite.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the sweetness and contributes to a lighter texture.
Large Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and rounds out the other flavors beautifully.
Orange Zest (1 tablespoon): Lends a bright citrusy burst that brightens up the oatmeal bars.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives the bars their structure and holds everything together.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a soft, tender crumb by helping the bars rise just enough.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (3 cups): Classic oats provide chewiness and heartiness you want in every bar.
Dried Cranberries (1 cup): Sweet and tart, they’re the star pop of bright flavor and color.
Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Add a nutty crunch and buttery richness throughout.
White Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup, optional): For pockets of creamy sweetness—especially delightful around the holidays!

How to Make Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready. Then line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. This is a real time-saver and ensures your bars come out clean and intact every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is essential as it creates a soft, tender base for your Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Orange Zest

Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and freshly grated orange zest. The zest really amplifies the citrus fragrance—don’t skip it!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt get evenly distributed, so every bite of your bars is perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Combine and Add Mix-ins

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until they come together (over-mixing will make tougher bars). Gently stir in the rolled oats, cranberries, pecans, and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. It’s at this stage the dough becomes lusciously thick and chunky.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Spread the oatmeal batter evenly into the prepared pan. Press down with a spatula or your clean hands to level the surface, ensuring every corner is filled. Bake for 28–32 minutes. When they’re golden brown at the edges and the center feels set, they’re ready to come out!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Patience for this part pays off! Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. The bars firm up as they rest, making them easier to cut into perfect squares. Use the parchment edges to lift them out, then slice into generous bars for snacking or sharing.

How to Serve Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars

Garnishes

For a little extra panache, dust your bars with powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even a touch more orange zest. These little details instantly impress and add a homemade flair.

Side Dishes

Pair these hearty bars with fresh fruit, a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt, or even alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. They’re a lovely treat for brunch spreads or a sweet, satisfying finish to a light soup lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars are as beautiful as they are delicious! Try wrapping individual bars in waxed paper with baker’s twine for a portable gift or stacking them on a pretty platter for your next coffee get-together. For parties, cut them into tiny squares and serve as bite-sized “bar bites” on a dessert board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After slicing, store your oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly chewy for up to 4 days—ideal for prepping ahead or grabbing as a quick snack on busy mornings.

Freezing

These bars are a freezer’s best friend! Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly to bring back that just-baked feel.

Reheating

If you crave a warm, just-out-of-the-oven experience, pop a bar into the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This revives the soft texture and brings out the aroma of the cranberries, orange, and toasted pecans all over again.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats provide the chew and structure for Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars, but if you only have quick oats, your bars will be softer and less hearty. Stick with rolled oats for best results!

How do I make these gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The taste and texture will still be wonderful!

Can I substitute the pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds make excellent substitutes for pecans. You can also leave out the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

How do I make these bars vegan?

Replace the butter with a vegan buttery spread, use flax eggs in place of regular eggs, and check that your white chocolate chips are dairy-free. All the best flavors without animal products!

Can I add fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and contain extra moisture, so they’ll change the texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, chop them finely and sprinkle a bit of sugar over to mellow their bite!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that bakes up in under an hour, I can’t recommend Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars enough. Every panful is packed with color, crunch, and cozy flavors that make snacking or sharing a total joy. Give them a try—you just might find your new favorite bar recipe!

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 20 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Oatmeal Bars for a delightful treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of dried cranberries with the tang of orange zest and the crunch of pecans. These chewy oatmeal bars are easy to make and great for a snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Add Mix-Ins: Stir in the oats, cranberries, pecans, and white chocolate chips if using.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a softer texture, slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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