Ingredients:

• 75 g (1/2 cup / 2.6 oz) almonds
• 50 g (1/2 cup / 1.8 oz) walnuts
• 50 g (1/2 cup / 1.8 oz) pumpkin seeds
• 250 g (1 and 2/3 cups / 8.8 oz) dates, pitted
• 100 g (1/3 cup / 3.5 oz) peanut butter
• 40 g (1/4 cup / 1.4 oz) dried cranberries
• 1 pinch of salt

Making It Step by Step:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Start by preparing all your ingredients. Make sure the dates are pitted, and if they seem dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up. Drain well before using. Measure out the nuts, seeds, and other ingredients to have everything ready for easy assembly.
2. Toast the Nuts and Seeds (Optional):
   • For added flavor and crunch, you can lightly toast the almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and spread the nuts and seeds on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through to ensure even toasting. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, let them cool completely before using.
3. Blend the Nuts and Seeds:
   • Place the almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds in a food processor. Pulse several times until they are roughly chopped. You don’t want them to turn into a fine powder; a coarse, crumbly texture is ideal for these bars as it provides a satisfying crunch.
4. Add the Dates:
   • Add the pitted dates to the food processor along with the chopped nuts and seeds. Process until the dates are well combined with the nuts and seeds, forming a sticky mixture. The dates act as a natural binder, holding the bars together.
5. Incorporate the Peanut Butter:
   • Add the peanut butter, dried cranberries, and a pinch of salt to the date and nut mixture. Process again until everything is well incorporated and forms a cohesive, sticky dough. The peanut butter adds creaminess and flavor, while the cranberries provide a tart sweetness that balances out the richness of the nuts and dates.
6. Check the Consistency:
   • If the mixture is too dry and doesn’t hold together when pressed, you can add a tablespoon of warm water or a bit more peanut butter until it reaches the desired consistency. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold its shape when pressed together but not too wet.
7. Press the Mixture into a Pan:
   • Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Transfer the nut and date mixture into the pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Make sure it’s well compacted to help the bars hold together.
8. Chill:
   • Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to cut into bars. You can also place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes if you’re short on time.
9. Cut into Bars:
   • Once the mixture has set, remove the pan from the fridge. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the mixture out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into bars or squares of your preferred size.
10. Serve:
    • Your Nutty Energy Bars are now ready to enjoy! Serve them as a quick snack, breakfast on the go, or a healthy dessert. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea and are also a great addition to lunchboxes.

Cooking Tips:

• Nut and Seed Varieties: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite nuts and seeds. You can substitute or add ingredients like cashews, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture. Adjust according to your taste.
• Texture: For a chunkier texture, pulse the ingredients less in the food processor. If you prefer a smoother bar, process the mixture longer until it reaches a finer consistency.
• Binding: If the mixture isn’t binding well, you can add more dates, a little more peanut butter, or a tablespoon of honey to help hold the bars together.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to three days in a cool, dry place. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• Refrigerator: For a longer shelf life, store the bars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This will help maintain their freshness and texture.
• Freezer: If you want to keep them for even longer, these bars freeze very well. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cold, chewy treat.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugars: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Vitamin E: 8% of the daily recommended intake
• Iron: 6% of the daily recommended intake

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of nuts?
   • Yes, feel free to use any nuts you like or have on hand. Cashews, pecans, or hazelnuts work well in this recipe. You can even use a mix of different nuts for added flavor and texture.
2. Are these bars vegan and gluten-free?
   • Yes, these Nutty Energy Bars are naturally vegan and gluten-free, as long as you ensure that all the ingredients, like the peanut butter and dates, do not contain any added gluten or animal products.
3. What can I use instead of peanut butter?
   • You can substitute peanut butter with any nut or seed butter, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
4. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
   • It’s best to use dried cranberries for this recipe, as fresh cranberries contain too much moisture and can affect the texture and shelf life of the bars. If you prefer a tangier taste, you can chop up some dried apricots or use raisins as a substitute.
5. How can I make these bars nut-free?
   • To make nut-free energy bars, replace the nuts with more seeds, such as sunflower seeds or additional pumpkin seeds. You can also use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
6. Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
   • Absolutely! Adding some mini chocolate chips to the mixture will give the bars a delightful touch of sweetness. Fold them in after mixing all the other ingredients.
7. Why did my bars fall apart?
   • If your bars are crumbling, it could be because the mixture was too dry or not compacted enough in the pan. Try adding a bit more dates or peanut butter, and make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan before chilling.
8. Can I bake these bars?
   • These bars are intended to be no-bake, but if you prefer a firmer texture, you can bake them at 175°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Conclusion:

Nutty Energy Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of the day. They are versatile, customizable, and packed with healthy ingredients that will keep you energized and satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a snack to carry on a hike, or a healthy dessert, these bars are a great choice. The combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits provides a balanced source of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars, making them a wholesome alternative to store-bought energy bars. Try making a batch of these Nutty Energy Bars at home, and you’ll have a tasty, homemade snack that’s ready to go whenever you need it.