Are you tired of boring, bland health snacks that taste like cardboard? Get ready to transform your snack time with these incredible Chewy Fruit Nut Bars that are not just delicious, but packed with nutrition! In just 30 minutes, you can create a batch of mouthwatering bars that will satisfy your sweet tooth, provide energy, and keep you feeling full – without any guilt. Perfect for busy mornings, post-workout refuels, or that midday hunger attack, these homemade bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by measuring out all components precisely: dates, almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
- In a food processor, combine pitted dates, almonds, and walnuts. Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse, sticky texture with small nut fragments.
- Add dried cranberries to the food processor and pulse briefly to incorporate them evenly throughout the mixture.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm honey for 15-20 seconds to make it more fluid. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm honey-vanilla mixture into the food processor and pulse until all ingredients are well combined and stick together.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or wet hands to press it down firmly and create an even layer.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to help it set and become more compact.
- Remove from refrigerator and lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into 12 equal rectangular bars using a sharp knife.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Medjool dates work exceptionally well for their softness and natural sweetness.
- When processing nuts and dates, pulse in short bursts to maintain a coarse texture. Over-processing can make the mixture too dense.
- Wet your hands slightly when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth, even layer.
- For extra flavor variations, experiment with different nuts like pecans or pistachios, or swap dried cranberries with other dried fruits.
- Ensure your honey is warm but not hot when mixing to help bind ingredients without compromising their texture.
- Refrigeration is key to helping the bars set properly and maintain their shape, so don't skip this crucial step.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
