Homemade Fruit and Nut Oatmeal Bars

Homemade Fruit and Nut Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for breakfast on the go or an afternoon pick-me-up. These bars are packed with hearty oats, a variety of dried fruits, and crunchy nuts, providing a wholesome and energy-boosting treat. Not only are they simple to make, but they also allow for endless customization depending on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you prefer sweet raisins, tangy dried apricots, or crunchy almonds, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your taste.

This recipe is also free from refined sugars, relying on honey as a natural sweetener. Plus, with the added zest of orange and the flavors of vanilla, these oatmeal bars have a delightful balance of sweetness and freshness. They’re perfect for those who want a healthy snack that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious bars at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

  • Oatmeal (rolled oats): 200-300 g (2-3 cups)
  • Oil: 100 g (coconut oil, vegetable oil, or butter)
  • Honey: 3 tablespoons (150 g)
  • Salt: a pinch
  • Vanilla extract: to taste

Optional Add-Ins (300 g total):

  • Orange zest: zest of 1 orange
  • Raisins: 40 g
  • Prunes: 70 g, chopped
  • Dried apricots: 80 g, chopped
  • Nuts: 50 g (your choice of almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
  • Dried cherries: 40 g
  • Coconut flakes: 20 g (2 tablespoons)

Baking Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
  • Baking time: 25-30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. Measure the Oats: In a large bowl, add 2-3 cups of oatmeal (depending on the desired consistency). Rolled oats work best for this recipe as they provide texture and hold the bars together well during baking.
  2. Add Flavorings: Add a pinch of salt and a dash of vanilla extract to the oats. The salt helps to enhance the flavors, while the vanilla adds a warm, sweet aroma to the bars.
  3. Prepare the Add-Ins: Chop the dried fruits (prunes, apricots, and cherries) into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture. Roughly chop the nuts if you’re using whole ones. Grate the zest of one orange for a zesty citrus kick.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

  1. Melt the Oil: In a small saucepan, melt 100 g of your chosen oil (coconut oil, butter, or vegetable oil) over low heat. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor, while butter provides a rich and creamy taste.
  2. Add the Honey: Stir in 3 tablespoons (150 g) of honey with the melted oil. Keep stirring until the honey and oil are well combined and heated through. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more honey or oil to ensure the bars bind well. Honey serves as a natural sweetener and helps bind the ingredients together.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

  1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the warm honey and oil mixture over the dry oatmeal mixture. Stir well to ensure all the oats and add-ins are coated with the sweet liquid.
  2. Mix Thoroughly: Make sure the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will ensure that every bar has a balanced amount of sweetness, crunch, and flavor from the fruits and nuts.

Step 4: Press the Mixture into a Pan

  1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a baking dish (22-24 cm in size) with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking.
  2. Press the Mixture: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the dish. The more compact the mixture, the better the bars will hold together after baking.

Step 5: Bake the Oatmeal Bars

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Ensure the oven is fully heated before placing the dish inside.
  2. Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The edges should be slightly crispy, but the center will still be soft to the touch.
  3. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because the bars will firm up as they cool, making them easier to slice.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

  1. Slice into Bars: Once the oatmeal bars are completely cool, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles. You should get around 12-15 bars, depending on how big you cut them.
  2. Serve: Enjoy these delicious, chewy, and fruity oatmeal bars as a snack, breakfast, or dessert.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 12 g

Note: These values will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of dried fruits or nuts?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can substitute any of the dried fruits or nuts with your favorites. Try using dried cranberries, figs, or even sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor.

2. How do I store these oatmeal bars?

Store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, and they will last up to 10 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe container.

3. Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. You can also use coconut oil or any vegetable oil instead of butter.

4. What can I use instead of oats?

If you are looking for a gluten-free alternative, use certified gluten-free oats or swap the oats for quinoa flakes or puffed rice.

5. How can I make these bars more crunchy?

For a crunchier texture, you can add extra nuts or seeds such as pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds. Additionally, you can bake the bars for a few extra minutes until the edges are darker golden-brown.

Tips for Making the Best Oatmeal Bars

  1. Compact the Mixture: Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking to help the bars hold together after baking.
  2. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of honey or other sweeteners used in the recipe.
  3. Experiment with Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. You can also try adding a pinch of cardamom for a warm, spiced note.
  4. Watch the Baking Time: Be careful not to overbake the bars. The edges should be golden and crispy, but the center should remain soft. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Storage Tips

  • At Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Refrigeration: To extend their freshness, store the bars in the fridge for up to 10 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the bars individually wrapped in plastic or parchment paper, then store them in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Homemade Fruit and Nut Oatmeal Bars are a healthy, delicious, and versatile snack that can be enjoyed anytime. Packed with nutritious oats, dried fruits, and nuts, they provide a balanced mix of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness. These bars are perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy homemade snack that is free from refined sugars and preservatives. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a mid-day snack, these oatmeal bars will keep you fueled and satisfied.