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Cranberry Orange Granola Bars

January 9, 2016 By Rachel 17 Comments

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Cranberry Orange Granola Bars – Is your sweet tooth getting in the way of your resolutions? These tasty snacks satisfy that craving without making you fall off the wagon!

Cranberry Orange Granola Bars

A new year is a good reminder of the importance of healthy eating, whether weight loss is a concern (that’s always been a struggle for me) or just maintaining overall wellness. The thought of improving eating habits is something that crosses many minds in January, and let’s face it, changing eating habits is really hard. Many people start the new year out with high hopes and plans for improving their health, but then fizzle out by the end of February. I’ve noticed this phenomenon at the gym. In January all of the treadmills and elliptical machines are filled with New Year’s optimists, but by mid-February the parking lot is less full and I have my pick of machines.

Another thing I’ve observed in five years of being a home health nurse is that many people take an all-or-nothing approach to their wellness. I hear things from patients like, “I’ve tried to diet in the past, but it never works for me.” Or, “I can’t eat healthy food, I just don’t like fruits and vegetables.” Lots of I can’ts, I’ve tried’s, and I’ve failed’s, so now it’s not worth trying at all. It’s a form of discouraged nutrition perfectionism.

What I tell my patients, many of whom have decades of very poor eating habits behind them, is that it’s okay to be imperfect! It’s not about a “diet” or even how many pounds you lose, it’s about the small victories that make you healthier in the end, compared to if you hadn’t tried at all. You will soon lose your motivation if you set unrealistic goals or associate imperfection with failure.

Mixing Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Granola Bars

When it comes to wellness, my Achilles heel is sweet treats. I have no problem eating gobs of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and such. But then, when I’m done eating healthful foods all day, I want a treat. I like to think I have a wily sweet tooth that causes me all sorts of problems and that it’s not my fault… but we all know the truth. 😉 Part of how I keep my sweet tooth in check is by making sweets that are mostly healthy, but that keep me from sneaking my son’s leftover Christmas candy from the back of the pantry.

Cooling White Chocolate on Granola Bars

Today’s recipe for Cranberry Orange Granola bars is a snack to satisfy that sweet tooth. It’s a combination of whole grain goodness, nuts, dried fruit and a touch of white chocolate. I love the winter flavors in this recipe, and all of the protein and fiber is good for curbing hunger. I like packing these when I work. I often don’t have much time for lunch and my work days can be pretty stressful, making it harder for me to resist temptation. These are a naturally sweetened snack to get me through the day!

Cranberry Orange Granola Bars with White Chocolate

I want to encourage you to celebrate the healthy choices you’re going to make this year. Celebrate your victories and don’t let your mistakes hold you back from the good choice you have the opportunity to make tomorrow!

Cranberry Orange Granola Bars with Tea

Cranberry Orange Granola Bars
 
Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
25 mins
Total time
40 mins
 
Is your sweet tooth getting in the way of your resolutions? These Cranberry Orange Granola Bars satisfy that craving without making you fall off the wagon!
Author: Rachel Hanawalt
Recipe type: Snack
Cuisine: American
Serves: 14
Ingredients
  • 3 C rolled oats
  • ½ C almond flour
  • ¾ tsp himalayan pink salt (1/2 tsp regular)
  • 1 C dried cranberries
  • ½ C chopped pistachios
  • ¾ C unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ C coconut oil
  • ¼ C fresh squeezed orange juice
  • ⅓ C agave
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp pure (or real) orange extract
  • 6 oz organic white chocolate*
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Combine all the ingredients, except for the white chocolate, in a large mixing bowl and, using your hands or a spoon, evenly combine.
  2. Line a jelly roll pan or a light baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the granola bar mix onto the pan, then spread out and pack using your fingers until you have a rectangle that's about ⅓ inch thick.
  3. Bake in a 325ºF oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it's beginning to turn golden brown. After removing the pan from the oven, cut them into 14 bars before they cool. Next, allow them to cool for 1-2 hours until they reach room temperature.
  4. Once the granola bars are cooled, melt the white chocolate using a double broiler method or by microwaving it in 1 minute increments at 30% power until it's melted and warm. Gently dip the bottom side of each granola bar in white chocolate and then place it back onto the parchment. Then drizzle any remaining white chocolate over the bars. Allow 1-2 hours for the white chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
Individually wrap each granola bar in plastic wrap or place them in snack-sized Ziploc bags so that they're ready to pack and go. Store up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
*VEGAN: Make this recipe vegan by buying vegan, dairy-free white chocolate.
3.5.3208

Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Orange Granola Bars

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pears with brown sugar, bourbon and millet

 

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Filed Under: Cranberries, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Kid-Friendly, New Year's Day, Oranges, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan / Vegan Options, Vegetarian, Whole Grains, Winter Tagged With: agave, Almond Flour, applesauce, Cranberry, Gluten-Free, Granola, Orange, Pistachios, Rolled Oats, vegan directions, Vegetarian, white chocolate

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Comments

  1. Kristina says

    January 10, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    I love cranberry and orange – saving these to make soon!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 10, 2016 at 11:40 pm

      I could plop cran-orange in just about anything and love it… bread, muffins, pancakes. Whoever first thought it up must have been rather smart! If you give this recipe a go, be sure to head back over here an let me know how they turned out.

      Reply
  2. Ludmilla says

    January 19, 2016 at 11:18 am

    I love the combination!! It’s a such delicious pair! Your photos are beautiful!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:39 pm

      Thanks Ludmilla!

      Reply
  3. Platter Talk says

    January 19, 2016 at 11:43 am

    We love cranberries and granola bars; what a perfect combination! Thanks for this great idea!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:39 pm

      No problem guys! I’m always getting awesome recipe inspirations on your blog too!

      Reply
  4. Stacey says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    I love the flavor combo used in these healthy granola bars 🙂 Bookmarked to try soon!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:38 pm

      Wonderful! Be sure to let me know how they turn out!

      Reply
  5. Tracy says

    January 19, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    Oh I love cranberry and orange together! What a delicious granola bar!!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:38 pm

      Thanks Tracy!

      Reply
  6. Megan @ A Dash of Megnut says

    January 19, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    I love the flavors of cranberry and orange together! Especially during the winter!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 19, 2016 at 9:37 pm

      Thanks Megan. They’re one of my favorite winter flavor combos!

      Reply
  7. Sandra says

    January 19, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    These granola bars will definitely hit the sweet spot I crave too! Love the cranberries with the white chocolate!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      January 24, 2016 at 8:45 am

      Haha yeah! Can’t neglect that sweet spot! Thanks Sandra!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Rustic Italian One-Pot Chicken and Rice - simple as that says:
    January 10, 2016 at 12:39 am

    […] Cranberry Orange Granola Bars […]

    Reply
  2. 10 Cranberry Recipes Perfect for November - Cricket’s Confections says:
    November 1, 2016 at 7:38 am

    […] Cranberry Orange Granola Bars – Simple Season These granola bars are packed with healthy ingredients, but taste like a candy bar. Does it get any better than that? Pistachios are one of my favorite snacks, but I had never had some in a granola bar before. I’ll definitely be adding them to all my granola bars from now on! […]

    Reply
  3. Energy Bars: 25 Healthy & Homemade Pre-Workout Bars and Bites - 2ShareMyJoy says:
    May 12, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    […] #15 Cranberry Orange Granola Bars […]

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Rachel! Welcome to Simple Seasonal, a resource for simple, healthful, and delicious recipes that help you make the most of seasonal produce from your local farmer's market, CSA, or home garden. Simple Seasonal is committed to a whole foods diet. With an occasional cookie... ;)


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