Homemade Fruit and Nut Bars
You know those little bags of leftover nuts, dried fruit, and cereal that collect in your pantry? These Fruit and Nut Bars are the perfect way to use them all up. In fact, I affectionately refer to these bars as Everything But the Kitchen Sink Bars because I use just about anything I can find.
You know those little bags of leftover nuts, dried fruit, and cereal that collect in your pantry? These Fruit and Nut Bars are the perfect way to use them all up. In fact, I affectionately refer to these bars as Everything But the Kitchen Sink Bars because I use just about anything I can find.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (0g)
- Sodium 6.8129296875 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 325 F.
- Line an 8 inch square baking pan (or 7x11 glass baking dish) with parchment paper.
- Spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Mix the nuts, cereal, and dried fruit together in a bowl.
- Add the corn syrup and a pinch of salt.
- Stir and mix well.
- Press into the baking pan using a wooden spoon or additional piece of parchment paper.
- Place in the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes until lightly browned on the edges.
- Let cool for 20 minutes and slice into bars.
- Store at room temperature for three days, in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze them.
Homemade Fruit and Nut Bars: The Perfect Pantry Raid Recipe
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. I'm constantly juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and making sure everyone has a healthy (and delicious!) meal on the table. That's why I love recipes that are quick, easy, and utilize ingredients I already have on hand. These Homemade Fruit and Nut Bars are the perfect example. They're incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever random bits of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit I happen to have lurking in my pantry, and they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
I affectionately call them my "Everything But the Kitchen Sink Bars" because that's precisely what they are! One day, I was staring into my pantry, overwhelmed by the usual collection of half-empty bags and containers. I had a few nuts here, some dried cranberries there, a bag of old cereal taking up precious space… and then it hit me. Instead of letting these ingredients go to waste, I could combine them into something delicious and satisfying. The result? These unbelievably tasty and surprisingly easy fruit and nut bars.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Don't have Cheerios? Use whatever cereal you have on hand – oats, granola, even crushed pretzels would work wonderfully! Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and dried fruit. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews – the options are endless! Raisins, cranberries, apricots, even chopped dates – all are welcome additions to these bars. The key is to have fun with it and use whatever you have available.
More than just a snack: These bars are also fantastic for meal prepping. I often make a big batch on the weekend and keep them stored in the fridge for a quick and healthy snack throughout the week. They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes, grabbing on the go, or even serving at a party. They’re the kind of treat that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings, a perfect afternoon pick-me-up that doesn’t leave you feeling sluggish or guilty.
The Secret to Success: The addition of a little corn syrup (or even brown rice syrup for a healthier option) is what brings all the ingredients together, creating a wonderfully chewy and slightly sweet bar. But don’t worry if you don't have corn syrup, other sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup can be used. Just experiment and see what works best for you! The optional pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor profile, so don't skip this.
Storage is Simple: These bars keep well at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or even freeze them for a longer shelf life. Freezing individual bars in freezer bags is ideal for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Beyond the Pantry: These fruit and nut bars are more than just a convenient way to use up leftover ingredients. They’re a testament to the power of resourcefulness and creativity in the kitchen. By embracing imperfection and utilizing what’s available, you can create something delicious and satisfying, proving that even in the midst of a busy life, there’s always time for a little homemade goodness.
So, the next time you’re staring into your pantry, overwhelmed by the contents, remember these simple bars. They’re the perfect solution to pantry clutter and the guarantee of a delicious treat, no matter how busy your life gets.
