Fruit and Nut Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack packed with the goodness of dried fruits and nuts, bound together with honey or syrup and often enhanced with oats or seeds. These bars offer a fantastic energy boost and are easily customizable with various fruit and nut combinations, making them perfect for on-the-go snacks or a healthy dessert option. They require no baking, just mix, press into a pan, chill, and slice, making them not only nutritious but also quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts, chopped
- 1 cup dried fruits (such as dates, apricots, raisins)
- 1/2 cup seeds (sunflower or pumpkin seeds)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and salt.
- Heat syrup: Gently warm honey and vanilla until pourable.
- Combine: Pour honey mixture over dry ingredients, stirring to coat evenly.
- Press and chill: Transfer mixture to the prepared pan, press firmly into an even layer. Chill for 1-2 hours.
- Slice and serve: Cut into bars or squares.
These Fruit and Nut Bars are not only a tasty and satisfying treat but also a great way to keep energy levels up throughout the day.