Soft bars featuring matcha, cranberries, and oat crumble offer a wholesome, energizing start to your day.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup whole wheat flour
03 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 2 tablespoons culinary grade matcha powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
08 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Filling and Add-ins
11 - 1 cup dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
12 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
13 - Zest of 1 orange (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix together oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly incorporated.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, honey or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined; the mixture will be crumbly but should hold when pressed.
05 - Fold in dried cranberries, nuts, and orange zest if using, ensuring even distribution.
06 - Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
07 - Sprinkle the reserved crumble evenly over the pressed base and gently press to adhere. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until edges are golden and the top is set.
08 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang and cutting into 12 bars.
