Whole Wheat Fruit and Nut Bars
Try this Whole wheat fruit and nut bar recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Whole wheat fruit and nut bar recipe, or contribute your own.
- stone ground whole meal / whole wheat flour : 1 cu
- cocoa powder (unsweetened) : 2 tbsp
- rolled barley / oats : 1/2 cup
- ground almonds : 1/3 cup
- soft brown sugar : 1/3 cup
- fruit medley (chopped) : 1/2 cup (i have used drie dates, dried apricots, raisins)
- walnut chopped : 1/2 cup
- margarine melted : 3 oz
- maple syrup : 1 tbsp ( i have used pure maple syru if not available then replace it with honey)
- low fat milk - 1 cup
- icing sugar to dust
- 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 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 F / 180 C.
- Spray a 10 * 6 inch shallow baking pan with oil and line it with parchment paper.
- Sift the flour and cocoa together into a large bowl.
- Stir in the rolled barley or oats, ground almonds, brown sugar, fruit medley and walnuts.
- Make a well in the center.
- In a separate bowl, melt the margarine, add the maple syrup or honey, milk and combine them.
- Add the above wet mixture into the dry mixture bowl, and with the help of a spatula combine them until you get a uniform, well-combined batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked. Check it with a cake tester.
- Leave in the pan to cool, then flip it over onto a wire rack and cool completely.
- Dust it with icing sugar, if you wish to.
- Serve it as snacks with your evening tea, or with some berries and fruits or yogurt.
Whole Wheat Fruit and Nut Bars: A Busy Mom's Go-To Snack
Life as a mom is a whirlwind of activity. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, finding time for anything, let alone healthy snack preparation, feels nearly impossible. That's why I've developed this recipe for whole wheat fruit and nut bars – a simple, healthy, and delicious snack that's quick to make and perfect for busy schedules. Forget those sugary, processed bars loaded with artificial ingredients; this recipe allows you to control exactly what goes into your snacks, ensuring they’re both nutritious and satisfying.
These bars are incredibly versatile. I often adjust the fruit medley based on what's on sale or what's in season. Sometimes I use dried cranberries and chopped apricots; other times it's a mix of raisins, chopped dates, and figs. The possibilities are endless! The base recipe remains consistent, providing a wholesome and naturally sweet treat. The nutty, slightly chewy texture is perfect for a quick energy boost, and the whole wheat flour ensures they're filling and won't leave you with a sugar crash.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. It doesn't require any fancy equipment or obscure ingredients. Everything you need can likely be found in your pantry already. The process is straightforward, too. From start to finish, it takes less than an hour, and most of that time is spent baking. While it bakes, you can easily tackle another task on your to-do list! The resulting bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature, making them ideal for packing in lunchboxes or grabbing on the go. And, let’s be honest, having a stash of these in the pantry is a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive!
Beyond the Snack: These bars aren't just for snacking; they can also be a wonderful addition to a lunchbox, served alongside a soup for a light meal, or even included in a picnic basket. Their portability makes them an excellent choice for travel or busy days out. And because they're made with whole grains and natural sugars, they're a guilt-free indulgence that fuels your body with sustained energy.
Making it Your Own: The true magic of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits. Perhaps you'd prefer pecans instead of walnuts, or chopped cherries instead of apricots. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and spice. The possibilities are endless! Don't be afraid to get creative and make these bars your own.
More than just a recipe: It's a time-saver, a healthy habit, and a delicious treat for the whole family. So, next time you're short on time but need a satisfying and nutritious snack, reach for this recipe. You won't regret it!
