Indulge in a delectable treat that combines the goodness of nature's finest offerings – dried fruits and nuts. These delectable health bars are a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a chewy oat base, a medley of dried fruits, and a crunchy nut topping. With three variations – cranberry almond, apricot pistachio, and blueberry walnut – these bars cater to diverse taste preferences. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and crunch. Whether you're seeking a wholesome snack, a quick breakfast option, or a post-workout energy boost, these dried fruit and nut health bars are your perfect companion.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
DRIED-FRUIT BARS
Make a batch of these easy homemade dried-fruit bars to tuck into your kid's lunchbox all week.
Provided by EatingWell Test Kitchen
Categories Healthy Halloween Cookie Recipes
Time 2h45m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- To prepare crust: Combine 3/4 cup nuts (or oats), whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar and salt in a food processor; pulse until the nuts are finely ground. Add butter; pulse until well incorporated.
- Whisk egg, oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla and almond extract in a small bowl. With the motor running, add the mixture
- to the food processor. Process, then pulse, scraping down the sides, if necessary, until the mixture begins to clump, 30 to 45 seconds (it will look crumbly). Measure out 1/2 cup of the mixture and combine in a bowl with the remaining 1/4 cup chopped nuts (or oats). Set aside for the topping.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- To prepare fruit filling & assemble bars: Combine 2 cups dried fruit, cider, sugar and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is very thick, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 1/4 cups dried fruit and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and press firmly into the bottom to form a crust. Spread the fruit filling over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved topping over the filling.
- Bake the bars for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake until the crust and topping are lightly brown, 25 to 30 minutes more. Let cool completely before cutting into bars, at least 1 1/2 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 243 calories, Carbohydrate 40.1 g, Cholesterol 17.1 mg, Fat 8.9 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 74 mg, Sugar 13.9 g
DRIED-FRUIT-AND-NUT HEALTH BARS
These nutrient-dense oat bars are packed with dried fruit, cherries, blueberries, and papaya, as well as nuts, and flaxseed. And there's no refined sugar, they're sweetened with pureed dates and honey -- and just right for a snack or breakfast on the go.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes 16
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place dates in a small saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a simmer. Drain reserving cooking water. Puree dates in a food processor with honey and 1/4 cup reserved cooking water until smooth.
- Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Mix oats or quinoa flakes, nuts, papaya, cherries, blueberries, bran, flaxseed, wheat germ, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix in date puree. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together. If necessary, add up to 1/2 cup more cooking water. Press mixture into pan.
- Bake until center is firm and edges are golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 16 bars.
DRIED FRUIT & NUT HEALTH BARS
This is a great health food, for all the health food folks, and also great for the kids to have at school for their treats!!
Provided by Chef mariajane
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 25m
Yield 8 bars
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F Place dates in a small saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a simmer. Drain. Purée in a food processor until smooth.
- Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Mix oats or quinoa flakes, nuts, papaya, cherries, blueberries, bran, flaxseed, wheat germ, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix in purée dates, and brown-rice syrup or honey. Press mixture in pan.
- Bake until center is firm and edges are golden, about 25 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 8 bars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.7, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 1.2, Sodium 147.5, Carbohydrate 31.5, Fiber 5.8, Sugar 14.9, Protein 5.4
Tips:
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- If your dried fruit is too hard, soak it in warm water for 15 minutes before using.
- If you don't have any honey on hand, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits and nuts to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For a more chewy bar, press the mixture firmly into the pan before refrigerating.
- For a crispier bar, bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion:
These dried fruit and nut health bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your own taste preferences. Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a post-workout energy boost, these bars are a great option. They are also a great way to use up any leftover dried fruit and nuts you may have on hand.
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