Soft, chewy bars with matcha, cranberries, and oat crumble for a wholesome start or energizing snack.
# What You Need:
→ 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 option)
08 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Filling & 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. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; the mixture should be slightly crumbly but cohesive when pressed.
05 - Fold in dried cranberries, optional nuts, and orange zest evenly into the batter.
06 - Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan.
07 - Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the pressed base, pressing gently to adhere evenly.
08 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until edges turn golden and the bars are set on top.
09 - Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with parchment and cutting into 12 bars.
