Save Soft, chewy breakfast bars featuring earthy matcha, tart cranberries, and a golden oat crumble—perfect for a wholesome start to your day or an energizing snack.
I've enjoyed making these bars on busy mornings to provide a quick nutritious boost that my whole family loves.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed, 2 tbsp matcha powder (culinary grade), 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free), 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Filling & Add-ins: 1 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or sweetened), 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional), Zest of 1 orange (optional for brightness)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl combine oats whole wheat flour brown sugar matcha powder baking soda and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl whisk together melted butter honey (or maple syrup) egg and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Step 4:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The mixture will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Step 5:
- Fold in dried cranberries nuts and orange zest if using.
- Step 6:
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for the crumble topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes or until the edges are golden and the top is set.
- Step 9:
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into 12 bars.
Save This recipe always brings my family together for a deliciously healthy treat especially on weekend mornings.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls measuring cups and spoons 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan parchment paper whisk spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) egg milk (if using butter) tree nuts (if using walnuts or pecans). For gluten-free use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend. Always check labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 190 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 30 g Protein 3 g
Save Enjoy these bars fresh or pack them for on-the-go mornings to keep your energy up all day.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use coconut oil with maple syrup for sweetness.
- → What kind of oats work best?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the ideal texture, offering chewiness and binding without becoming mushy.
- → How can I store these bars properly?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer preservation.
- → Are nuts required for these bars?
Nuts like walnuts or pecans are optional but add crunch and richness to complement the tart cranberries.
- → What is the best way to get a crunchy crumble topping?
Reserve some mixture before pressing into the pan and sprinkle it evenly on top before baking to achieve a crisp crumble layer.
- → Can these bars be gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free oats and use a gluten-free flour blend to suit dietary needs.