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Cranberry Orange Breakfast Bars (Healthy Oat Bars Recipe)

These cranberry orange breakfast bars are fiber-rich, naturally sweetened, and perfect for busy mornings. Easy one-bowl oat bars ready in 25 minutes.
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Total Time 31 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 banana mashed
  • 1/4 cup smooth cashew butter
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 1 flax egg 1 Tbsp golden ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water, whisked and rested 15 minutes
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Mix-Ins
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans optional
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tsp orange zest from about 1 orange

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine banana, cashew butter, orange juice, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, flax egg, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the oats absorb the liquid.
  4. Fold in mix-ins: Stir in pecans, dried cranberries, and orange zest.
  5. Bake: Spread evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Cool and slice: Let cool completely before slicing into 12 bars.

Notes

  • Letting the batter sit for 10 minutes helps the oats soften and improves texture.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing so they hold together well.
  • For extra protein, serve with yogurt or a glass of soy milk.