Cashew Cranberry Oat Bars (Full Detailed Recipe)
Yield: 12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140 g) raw unsalted cashews, roughly chopped
- ½ cup (50 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (helps bind the bars)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- ¼ cup white or dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or almonds
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Equipment
- 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine:
- Cashews
- Oats
- Dried cranberries
- Salt
- Cinnamon (if using)
Mix well.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl whisk together:
- Egg
- Honey
- Vanilla
- Melted butter or coconut oil
Step 4: Combine
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients.
Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake
Spread mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: Cool
Cool completely in the pan.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.
Cut into 12 bars.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per bar (1 of 12)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140–170 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 40 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and vary based on the ingredients used.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Source of
- Healthy unsaturated fats
- Plant-based protein
- Fiber
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Vitamin E
Benefits
Cashews
- Rich in healthy fats
- Good source of magnesium and copper
- Provide plant protein
Oats
- High in soluble fiber (beta-glucan)
- May help support heart health
- Help keep you feeling full
Dried Cranberries
- Add natural sweetness and chewiness
- Provide antioxidants
- Contribute small amounts of fiber
Nut Information
Contains Tree Nuts
Yes. This recipe contains cashews, which are tree nuts and a common allergen.
Allergy Warning
This recipe is not suitable for anyone with a tree nut allergy.
Nut-Free Substitute
Replace the cashews with:
- Roasted sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Roasted soy nuts (if tolerated)
Be aware that ingredient labels should always be checked if cooking for someone with food allergies, as products can be processed in facilities that also handle nuts.
Storage
Room Temperature: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
Freezer: Up to 3 months. Wrap bars individually and thaw at room temperature before eating.
Variations
Vegan
- Replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup.
- Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes).
Gluten-Free
Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Higher Protein
Mix in:
- 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (you may need a little extra liquid)
Extra Crunch
Add chopped almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds if there are no nut allergies.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bars:
- As a grab-and-go breakfast
- With coffee or tea
- Packed in lunch boxes
- As a pre-workout snack
- With yogurt and fresh fruit
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes. The bars will be slightly softer but still hold together well.
Q: Can I use roasted cashews?
A: Yes. Unsalted roasted cashews add a richer flavor. If using salted cashews, reduce or omit the added salt.
Q: Can I replace the cranberries?
A: Yes. Raisins, chopped dried cherries, dried blueberries, or chopped apricots are all good alternatives.
Q: Can I make these without eggs?
A: Yes. A flax egg or chia egg works well as a binder.
Q: Why are my bars crumbly?
A: The mixture may need a little more binder. Try adding an extra teaspoon of honey or another tablespoon of melted butter or coconut oil, and press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking.
Q: Can I reduce the sweetness?
A: Yes. Since dried cranberries are often sweetened, you can reduce the honey slightly or use unsweetened dried cranberries if available.
Q: Are these bars healthy?
A: They can be part of a balanced diet. They provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein, but they are still energy-dense because of the nuts, so portion size is worth keeping in mind.
Q: Can children eat these?
A: Yes, if they do not have a tree nut allergy. For younger children, cut the bars into small pieces to reduce choking risk.
