Chewy bars featuring earthy matcha, tart cranberries, and golden oat crumble for a wholesome, energizing bite.
# What you'll 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)
# Method:
01 - Set oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, stir together oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Whisk melted butter, honey or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until homogeneous.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined; mixture should hold together when pressed but remain crumbly.
05 - Gently fold in dried cranberries, nuts, and orange zest if using.
06 - Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
07 - Sprinkle reserved crumble evenly over base and gently press to adhere.
08 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
09 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using parchment overhang and slicing into 12 portions.
