Are you tired of boring, bland snacks that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your snacking experience with these incredible Gluten-Free Fruit and Nut Bars that are not just delicious, but packed with nutrition! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a batch of mouth-watering bars that are perfect for on-the-go energy, post-workout fuel, or a guilt-free treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1 cup dried fruit (apricots, cranberries, raisins)
- 1 cup gluten-free oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mixed nuts, 1 cup of dried fruit, and 1 cup of gluten-free oats. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup) and 1/4 cup of almond butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully incorporated.
- Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are coated with the wet mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly into the dish, ensuring there are no gaps.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the dish and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Tips
- Toast your nuts lightly before mixing for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy bar removal.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly to ensure bars hold together well.
- For extra nutrition, consider adding seeds like chia or flaxseed.
- Experiment with different nut and dried fruit combinations to keep things interesting.
- Let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
