These Chewy Oatmeal Bars with cranberries, walnuts, and chocolate are the perfect blend of sweet and crunchy, ideal for a healthy snack or a quick breakfast on the go. Loaded with wholesome ingredients like oats, honey, and seeds, these bars are naturally sweetened and packed with flavor. The addition of walnuts and dried cranberries provides a delightful texture contrast, while the melted chocolate adds a touch of indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a homemade energy boost or a tasty treat to satisfy your cravings, these oatmeal bars are easy to make and sure to please everyone.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 70g Butter
• 120g Honey
• 20g Sugar
• 60g Walnuts, chopped
• 90g Dried Cranberries
• 60g Dark or Milk Chocolate, chopped
• 250g Oatmeal (rolled oats)
• 20g Sunflower Seeds or mixed seeds

Steps to Make Chewy Oatmeal Bars with Cranberries, Nuts, and Chocolate:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Nuts and Chocolate:
   • Start by chopping the walnuts and chocolate into small pieces. Set them aside for later.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking dish (8×8 inches or similar size) with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Cook the Wet Ingredients

3. Melt Butter, Honey, and Sugar:
   • In a small saucepan, combine 70g of butter, 120g of honey, and 20g of sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely.
   • Once the mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

4. Mix the Oats, Nuts, and Seeds:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the 250g of oats, chopped walnuts, 20g of sunflower seeds, and 90g of dried cranberries. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

5. Mix Everything Together:
   • Pour the melted butter, honey, and sugar mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything until the oats, nuts, and cranberries are evenly coated.
6. Add the Chocolate:
   • Fold in the chopped chocolate gently. The chocolate will melt slightly when mixed with the warm oat mixture, creating delicious pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bars.

Step 5: Bake the Oatmeal Bars

7. Press into the Baking Dish:
   • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish. This helps the bars stick together once baked.
8. Bake the Oatmeal Bars:
   • Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. The center may still be slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Cut the Bars

9. Cool the Bars:
   • Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This can take up to 30 minutes. For easier cutting, you can place the baking dish in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up the bars further.
10. Slice the Bars:
    • Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 30mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other types of nuts or seeds?
Yes! You can easily swap the walnuts for almonds, pecans, or any other nuts you prefer. Sunflower seeds can also be replaced with pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds.

2. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For a vegan version, also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

3. How do I make sure the bars stick together?
Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key to making sure the bars hold together. If the bars are too crumbly, you can add a little more honey or butter to help bind them.

4. Can I add other dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can add raisins, dried apricots, or dried blueberries to the mix. Just be sure to keep the overall weight of the dried fruit the same to maintain the balance of ingredients.

5. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar or leave it out altogether, as the honey already adds sweetness. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar may slightly affect the texture of the bars.

Tips on How to Make the Best Chewy Oatmeal Bars:

1. Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats:
   Rolled oats work best for this recipe, as they provide a chewy texture. Avoid using instant oats, as they can become too mushy.
2. Don’t Overbake:
   Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. Overbaking can cause the bars to become dry and crumbly. The edges should be golden brown, but the center will still be slightly soft.
3. Customize the Add-Ins:
   These oatmeal bars are highly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
4. Chill for Firmer Bars:
   If you prefer firmer bars, chilling the bars in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes after they’ve cooled will help them hold their shape better when sliced.
5. Drizzle with Chocolate:
   For a more decadent treat, drizzle the cooled bars with melted chocolate. Simply melt some extra chocolate and use a spoon to drizzle it over the top before cutting.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration:
  Store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. Storing them in the fridge will help them stay firmer.
• Freezing:
  These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Conclusion:

These Chewy Oatmeal Bars with Cranberries, Nuts, and Chocolate are a delicious and nutritious snack option that’s perfect for busy days. With their natural sweetness from honey, rich crunch from walnuts and seeds, and the burst of flavor from cranberries and chocolate, these bars strike the perfect balance between indulgence and health. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for customizing to suit your preferences. Whether you’re packing them for a snack on the go or enjoying them as a dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy. Happy baking!