Are you craving a delicious, healthy snack that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! These homemade fruit and nut bars are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavour, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings in a healthy way. They're also a great option for meal prepping healthy snacks for the week ahead. Let's dive into this simple and rewarding recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – your choice!)
- ½ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots – get creative!)
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (or flax seeds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help with lifting out the finished bars later. This is a simple yet crucial step for easy cleanup!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the oats and other ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan and press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This allows them to firm up and makes them easier to cut neatly. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Tips for Fruit and Nut Bar Success:
- Nutty Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and seeds. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or a mix of nuts would all work wonderfully.
- Fruity Fun: Dried mango, cherries, or blueberries also make fantastic additions.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the amount slightly.
- Storage: Store your fruit and nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutritional Information (per bar – approximate, varies based on ingredients):
This will depend on the specific nuts and dried fruits used, but generally, a serving will provide a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and some protein. It’s a healthier alternative to many processed snack bars. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator website and input your specific ingredients.
These easy fruit and nut bars are a perfect healthy snack or addition to your lunchbox. The recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your healthy meal planning. Enjoy!