Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that's also healthy and delicious? Look no further! These homemade dried fruit bars are the perfect solution for a satisfying snack, a quick breakfast, or even a delightful dessert. Packed with natural sweetness and chewy goodness, they're a fantastic alternative to store-bought options loaded with added sugar and preservatives. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and you can customize it to your liking with your favourite dried fruits and nuts. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped
- ½ cup mixed dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, raisins – get creative!)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – your choice!)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Prepare your ingredients: Begin by chopping the dates and nuts if needed. Measure out all the ingredients and have them ready for easy access. This simple step makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped dates, dried fruits, rolled oats, chopped nuts, chia seeds, and salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Add the wet ingredients: Add the nut butter, honey (or maple syrup if using), and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and a sticky mixture forms. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
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Press into a pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help with lifting the bars later. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure a compact layer.
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Chill and cut: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to firm up. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into desired sizes and shapes.
Tips for the Best Dried Fruit Bars:
- Use a food processor: For a smoother texture, you can pulse the dates and nuts in a food processor before adding them to the bowl.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can omit the honey or maple syrup. The natural sweetness of the dates and dried fruits will still provide plenty of flavour.
- Get creative with additions: Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and spices. Consider adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chunk Bars: Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips to the mixture for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Bars: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warm and comforting flavour.
- No-Bake Option: This recipe is naturally no-bake, perfect for a hot summer day!
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 4-6g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 4-6g
These delicious and healthy dried fruit bars are a perfect snack or breakfast option for the whole family. They're easy to make, highly customizable, and a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt! Enjoy!