These Fruit and Nut Oat Bars are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, offering a delicious and nutritious snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Packed with rolled oats, mixed nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, these bars provide a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, making them an excellent choice for breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or a healthy dessert. With a no-bake method and the flexibility to customize with your favorite mix-ins, these bars are as versatile as they are tasty.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (75g) mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews), roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup (40g) dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup (30g) sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60g) natural almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Line the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they are set.
Step 2: Toast the Oats and Nuts (Optional)
- Toast for Extra Flavor: To enhance the flavor of the bars, toast the rolled oats and chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before mixing with the other ingredients. This optional step adds a delightful, nutty depth to your bars.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the fruits and nuts.
Step 4: Prepare the Wet Mixture
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, almond butter (or peanut butter), and coconut oil. Heat over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and slightly warm. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This wet mixture will help bind the dry ingredients together.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are well coated with the wet mixture. Make sure there are no dry spots and that everything is evenly mixed.
Step 6: Press into the Pan
- Transfer and Press: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon, a spatula, or your hands (lightly greased to prevent sticking) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Compacting the mixture tightly helps the bars hold together once set.
Step 7: Chill and Set
- Refrigerate: Place the baking pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. Chilling allows the coconut oil and nut butter to solidify, which helps bind the bars and gives them their chewy texture.
Step 8: Cut into Bars
- Cut Bars: Once the bars are set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size and shape.
Step 9: Store
- Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Tips for Perfect Fruit and Nut Oat Bars
- Customize Your Bars: Swap out the dried fruits and nuts with your favorites, such as raisins, dried mango, dried blueberries, pistachios, or even chia seeds. This allows you to tailor the bars to your personal taste or whatever you have on hand.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup, or use a natural sweetener like agave nectar or date syrup to taste.
- Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, replace the nuts with additional seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds) and use sunflower seed butter in place of almond or peanut butter.
- Add a Chocolate Touch: Mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of the bars before chilling for an extra treat.
Nutrition Information (per bar, makes 12 bars)
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 5g
These Fruit and Nut Oat Bars are a healthy, energy-boosting snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of day. With their satisfying crunch and natural sweetness, they are an ideal snack for busy days, hiking trips, or even as a wholesome dessert. Enjoy the versatility of this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds!