Recipe: Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango and Cranberries

Recipe: Oatmeal Bars with Dried Mango and Cranberries

Oatmeal bars with dried mango and cranberries are a delightful and nutritious snack that’s perfect for busy days, long commutes, or as an on-the-go breakfast. These bars offer a healthy balance of fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, making them a great alternative to store-bought snacks. Packed with the goodness of oats, the chewy texture of dried mango, and the tartness of cranberries, these bars are both satisfying and energizing.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you step by step on how to make these homemade oatmeal bars with dried mango and cranberries. The best part? They’re easy to prepare and can be customized to fit your taste. Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or even a touch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Bars:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried mango, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter (for binding)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana (for moisture)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, like almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Dried Mango
   Start by chopping the dried mango into small pieces. You want them to be small enough so they can easily be incorporated into the bars, but still large enough to provide chewy chunks in each bite.

2. Measure the Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, measure out the rolled oats, dried cranberries, and chopped dried mango. If you're adding nuts, chop them into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl as well.

3. Set Aside the Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, combine the honey or maple syrup, peanut butter (or almond butter), vanilla extract, and applesauce (or mashed banana). Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir everything together until well incorporated. The mixture should come together easily and hold its shape, but it shouldn’t be too sticky.

2. Add Cinnamon (Optional)
   If you’re using ground cinnamon, add it to the mixture at this point. Cinnamon adds a lovely warmth to the bars and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the mango and cranberries.

3. Mix in the Nuts (Optional)
   For an added crunch, fold in some chopped nuts of your choice. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews are great options, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.

Step 3: Press the Mixture into a Pan

1. Prepare a Baking Pan
   Line an 8x8-inch (or similar-sized) square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will make it easier to remove the bars after they’re baked.

2. Press the Mixture Into the Pan
   Transfer the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spoon or spatula to press the mixture firmly into the pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed and compact. This will help the bars hold together once baked.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake
   Place the pan in the oven and bake the oatmeal bars for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm. The bars will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft when you first take them out.

3. Cool Completely
   Allow the oatmeal bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. This ensures that the bars stay intact when you slice them.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve
   Once the bars have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. These bars make for a perfect snack or breakfast option, and they’re portable enough to take with you wherever you go.

2. Store Leftovers
   Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Other Dried Fruits
   While this recipe uses dried mango and cranberries, you can substitute with other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or dried figs. Choose the fruits you enjoy most for a customizable treat.

2. Add Seeds
   For extra nutrition, try adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds. These will provide additional fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.

3. Sweeten to Taste
   Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup depending on your sweetness preference. If you like a less sweet snack, you can reduce the amount or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

4. Make Them Gluten-Free
   To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Most oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often processed in facilities that also process wheat, so it’s essential to check the packaging if you have a gluten intolerance.

Health Benefits

1. Oats
   Oats are rich in fiber, especially beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol and supports heart health. They’re also a great source of energy and help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

2. Dried Mango
   Dried mango is packed with vitamins, especially vitamin A and vitamin C, which support immune health and improve skin health. It’s also a good source of fiber, which promotes digestion.

3. Cranberries
   Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and fight inflammation. They also support urinary tract health and digestive function.

4. Nuts and Seeds
   Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds, provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. These nutrients are important for maintaining muscle function and overall health.

Conclusion

Oatmeal bars with dried mango and cranberries are the perfect snack for anyone looking for a nutritious, portable, and satisfying treat. These bars are easy to make, customizable, and packed with fiber and essential nutrients. Whether you’re grabbing one for breakfast, taking it on a hike, or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, these oatmeal bars are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of natural sweetness, tart cranberries, and chewy dried mango in every bite!