Nutty & Fruity Grain Bars

Nutty & Fruity Grain Bars 🌾🍫

This quick and tasty dessert is a wholesome treat packed with seeds, nuts, grains, and dried fruits. It’s chewy, crunchy, and naturally sweetened with banana and raisins, then topped with rich dark chocolate for an indulgent finish. Perfect for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast on the go, these bars are as nutritious as they are delicious!

Let’s dive into how to make this easy and satisfying grain-based dessert step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Wholesome & Nutritious : Packed with oats, nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate for a healthy yet indulgent treat.
2. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
3. Customizable : Swap out ingredients to suit your taste or pantry.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for snacks, dessert, or meal prep.
5. Kid-Friendly : A hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves the mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

(Makes 8–10 bars)

• 1 cup (150 g) rolled oats 🥣
• 1 cup (100 g) raisins 🍇
• 1 cup (100 g) walnuts , roughly chopped 🌰
• 1 cup (100 g) dried apricots , chopped into small pieces 🍑
• 1 fresh banana , mashed 🍌
• 2.8 oz (80 g) dark chocolate , melted 🍫

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) .
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats , raisins , chopped walnuts , and dried apricots .
2. Add the mashed banana to the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated and sticky. The banana acts as a natural binder.

Step 3: Press into the Pan

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
2. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring it’s compacted for slicing later.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden and the mixture feels set.
   • Tip : Be careful not to overbake, as the bars will firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

1. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
3. Cut into bars or squares of your desired size.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Drizzle

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, or use a double boiler.
2. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the bars using a spoon or piping bag.
3. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

1. Swap Ingredients : Use other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or figs, or substitute almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for the walnuts.
2. Add Seeds : Stir in chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds for extra nutrition.
3. Make Ahead : Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks .
4. Freeze for Later : Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
5. Adjust Sweetness : If you prefer sweeter bars, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the mixture before baking.

Perfect Pairings

These Nutty & Fruity Grain Bars pair beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.
• Fresh Fruit : Serve with fresh berries, sliced apples, or orange segments for balance.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approx.)

(Based on 10 bars)

• Calories : ~200 kcal
• Protein : ~4g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~10g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Nutty & Fruity Grain Bars are a quick, wholesome, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast on the go, these bars deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of chewy dried fruits, crunchy nuts and seeds, and rich dark chocolate creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair them with different toppings to make them your own. So grab your oats, chop those nuts, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.