There are some recipes that transcend trends and fads, and the Nutty Fruit Oatmeal Bars is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a nourishing breakfast, or a simple treat that will satisfy your cravings, these oatmeal bars tick all the boxes. Packed with wholesome oats, fiber-rich fruits, and heart-healthy nuts, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Oatmeal has long been praised for its health benefits, offering a great source of fiber and nutrients. Combined with the natural sweetness of apple puree, the crunch of almonds and walnuts, and the chewy texture of dried cranberries and raisins, these bars are both satisfying and delicious. The use of olive oil instead of butter or other oils makes them even healthier, providing a dose of good fats.
The beauty of these bars lies not only in their health benefits but also in their versatility. You can enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack on the go, or as a post-workout fuel. They’re perfect for meal prepping and can easily be customized to suit your personal preferences. You can swap out nuts or dried fruits to create your ideal combination, making this recipe adaptable and flexible for everyone in the family.
Over the years, oatmeal-based snacks have been cherished for their ability to keep you full and energized. In an age where healthy eating is more important than ever, these bars provide the perfect balance of nutrients and taste. They are also quick to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort to create a batch that will last you for several days. Whether you’re new to healthy baking or an experienced cook, these Nutty Fruit Oatmeal Bars are a simple yet rewarding addition to your recipe collection.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 ml) oatmeal
- 240 g apple puree
- 50 g almonds (chopped)
- 50 g walnuts (chopped)
- 50 g dried cranberries
- 50 g raisins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Steps How to Do It
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and raisins. Stir gently to ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. The nuts will add a delightful crunch, while the dried fruits will provide bursts of sweetness in every bite.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the apple puree with the olive oil. Stir them together until smooth. Apple puree acts as a natural sweetener and binder, making the bars moist and flavorful. Olive oil adds a healthy fat, ensuring the bars remain tender without compromising on taste.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well to combine. The apple puree and olive oil should coat the oats and nuts, binding everything together. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a small splash of water or additional apple puree to reach the desired consistency. The mixture should be thick but slightly moist.
4. Bake the Mixture
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking dish (around 8×8 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly in the dish, pressing it down gently to compact it into a uniform layer. Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Slice
Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Once slightly cooled, transfer the bars to a cutting board and cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size. Allow them to cool completely before serving. This ensures that the bars hold together nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the bars have cooled completely, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or pack them for lunch. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
30-35 minutes
Calories (per serving)
Approximately 180-200 kcal (based on a serving size of 1 bar, recipe yields 12 bars)
Servings
12 bars (based on 1 bar per serving)
Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless
The Nutty Fruit Oatmeal Bars stand the test of time because they hit all the right notes—nutritious, delicious, and versatile. Oats have long been a go-to ingredient for healthy breakfasts, and when combined with natural sweeteners like apple puree, they become the base of a truly wholesome snack. The addition of almonds and walnuts gives the bars a crunchy texture, while the dried cranberries and raisins add natural sweetness, making every bite both satisfying and energizing.
What makes these bars even more timeless is their ability to be customized. The nuts and dried fruits can easily be swapped for your personal favorites. Want to add some dried apricots instead of raisins? Or maybe use cashews instead of almonds? The flexibility of this recipe allows for countless variations, meaning it can evolve as your tastes do. Plus, the use of olive oil adds a touch of healthy fat, making the bars moist and tender without relying on butter or other less healthy fats.
These oatmeal bars have become a staple for many because they are so easy to make and perfect for busy people. They require minimal prep time, and once they’re baked, they can be stored for several days. They make a great snack, a quick breakfast on the go, or even a healthier dessert option. With their balanced combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, they keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, making them an ideal choice for those looking for an energy-boosting, nutritious snack.
Moreover, these bars are perfect for families, busy individuals, or anyone who loves to have a healthy treat on hand. Whether you’re a parent trying to provide a nutritious snack for your children or an athlete looking for a post-workout boost, these oatmeal bars check all the boxes. Their long shelf life (when stored correctly) means you can bake a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them all week long. They’re simple, straightforward, and packed with ingredients that contribute to overall health.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fats: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Calcium: 40 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the apple puree?
Yes, you can substitute apple puree with mashed bananas or another fruit puree of your choice. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bars, but it’s a great way to customize the recipe to your liking.
2. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
While dried fruits like raisins and cranberries provide a chewy texture that blends well with the oats, you can experiment with fresh fruit. However, fresh fruit might release more moisture, so you may need to adjust the amount of oats or baking time to compensate.
3. Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
4. How can I make these bars sweeter?
If you like your bars a little sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients. Keep in mind that adding sweeteners will change the nutritional content, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
5. Can I add protein powder to these bars?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to boost the protein content, you can stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the dry ingredients before mixing. Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients as needed to maintain the right consistency.
Tips on How to Make
- Mixing the Ingredients: To ensure even distribution of nuts and dried fruit, mix the dry ingredients first before adding the wet ingredients. This will help ensure every bite has a bit of everything.
- Customizing Your Fruit and Nuts: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can add coconut flakes, chia seeds, or other dried fruits like apricots or blueberries to make the bars your own.
- Baking Tip: Make sure to press the oatmeal mixture firmly into the baking dish. This will help the bars hold together and ensure they bake evenly.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
- Refrigeration: You can also store the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will help keep them fresher longer.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars. Place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
Conclusion
The Nutty Fruit Oatmeal Bars are the perfect balance of health and taste. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and packed with ingredients that nourish and fuel the body. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or a healthy dessert, these bars will quickly become a favorite. Their ability to be tailored to personal tastes and dietary needs makes them a go-to recipe for anyone looking to add something wholesome to their meal plan. Enjoy the goodness of oats, fruits, and nuts in every bite, and make these timeless oatmeal bars a part of your regular recipe rotation today!