Pin 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.
This recipe combines unique flavors of matcha and cranberries that have become a morning favorite in my household.
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.
Pin These bars bring my family together especially on busy mornings or as an after-school snack everyone loves.
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
Calories 190 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 30 g Protein 3 g per serving
Pin Enjoy these wholesome bars as a convenient energizing snack anytime.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives these bars their green color?
The vibrant green hue comes from culinary-grade matcha powder blended into the oat and flour mixture.
- → Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free option?
Yes, melted coconut oil works well as a dairy-free alternative without altering the texture significantly.
- → How can I make the bars vegan-friendly?
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use maple syrup with coconut oil instead of butter.
- → Will adding nuts affect the texture?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans provides a pleasant crunch and enhances the overall flavor depth.
- → Is it necessary to use orange zest in these bars?
The orange zest is optional and adds a bright citrus note that complements the earthy and tart ingredients.