Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe - Healthy and Delicious

Introduction

Today's recipe is for delightful Fruit and Nut Bars, a snack perfect for enjoying the great outdoors or simply as a nutritious treat any time of the day. These bars are packed with a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and even a touch of mini chocolate chips, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and textures. They're ideal for a walk, a picnic, or as a quick, energy-boosting snack.

Ingredients

• For the Bars:
  • 1 1/2 cups (175 grams) of chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios)
  • 2 cups (270 grams) of dried fruits (such as apricots, mangos, papayas, dried cranberries, cherries, raisins, prunes, figs, or dates)
  • 1/3 cup (55 grams) of mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/3 cup (45 grams) of all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (65 grams) of firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan by lining it with foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

2. Combine the chopped nuts, dried fruits, mini chocolate chips, flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Mix well to ensure the flour coats the fruit and nuts, helping to separate any clumped fruit.

3. Beat the egg with vanilla extract until thick and light-colored. This will serve as the binding agent for the bars.

4. Mix the beaten egg with the fruit and nut mixture until everything is evenly moistened.

5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing down firmly to create an even, compact layer.

6. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the foil.

7. Cool the bars slightly before lifting them out of the pan using the foil. Cut into bars while still warm for easier slicing.

Conclusion

These Fruit and Nut Bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with their colorful ingredients. They offer a wonderful blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, with a satisfying chewy texture. Perfect for making ahead, these bars can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the fridge for even longer. Whether you're out enjoying nature or need a quick snack to keep you going, these bars are sure to please.