Quick Fruit & Nut Bars
We all have those days where by the time you look up, it’s way past noon and you’re not really sure where the rest of the day went. Today I have an easy recipe for protein packed fruit and nut bars that make an awesome sweet treat when you need a quick snack to keep you go-go-going!
Here's what you'll need to get started:
- 2 cups Old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups chopped dried fruits *I’ve used apricots & cranberries today, but this varies with my mood. Get crazy! Try pineapple, mango, blueberry, apple, anything you like!*
- Large mixing bowl & spoon
- 9 x 12 baking pan
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Parchment paper
Lets get started!
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees
- Line your 9 x 12 baking pan with parchment paper
3. Measure out your oats, nuts and coconut flake right onto your parchment & gently mix them together.
4. When the oven is ready, toast up your oat, and nuts mix for about 10 minutes to get a little extra flavour and a bit of crunch.
5. While your oats are toasting chop your dried fruit (if needed). I like to set out my 1 cup, and ½ cup measuring cups right on the board, and just chop until they are full; adjusting the chop or adding more types of fruit according to whatever suits my mood. Get creative!
6. Toss your toasted oats, nuts, and coconut flake into a great big mixing bowl with your chopped fruit and mix well.
7. Lastly, melt your butter, honey and brown sugar in a small saucepan. You can add a bit of lemon zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon or any secret ingredient you want to sneak in here :-p
**This will be the ‘glue’ that holds your bars together, so make sure it’s completely melted and one uniform ooey gooey consistency!**
8. Once melted, pour your delicious honey/butter gooey "glue" over your granola mixture and fold it all in until all the delicious ingredients are thoroughly coated.
9. Spoon the mixture into your pan, lined with the same parchment (waste not want not!). Using the back of your spoon press the mixture into all the corners of the pan. If it’s too sticky, dampen your fingertips and use those!
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or depending on your oven, until the edges are that yummy golden brown
11. Remove from oven and let cool for at least an hour (The hardest part in my opinion). When that timer goes off, lift the parchment straight up and place your granola on a sturdy cutting board. With a nice sharp knife cut into bars or smaller squares for mini snacks.
Lastly. . .best-ly: Devour at will!!! The protein boost from oats and almonds will boost your energy and the fruit and honey is perfect for midday sweet tooth satisfaction :-) Enjoy!
Post by Coleen Phoenixx
