Nutty Fruit Muesli Bars
Nutty Fruit Muesli Bars are a healthy and satisfying snack option that combines the crunchiness of nuts with the sweet and chewy texture of dried fruits. These bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, an energizing afternoon snack, or a post-workout treat. Packed full of almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, cashews, and a variety of dried berries, these bars offer a burst of natural sweetness and nutrition. With the added benefits of oats and seeds, they provide a great source of fiber and essential nutrients. Homemade and easy to prepare, they can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re hiking, commuting, or just need a quick snack, these muesli bars are sure to keep you fueled and satisfied. They’re also a fantastic way to make use of your pantry staples in a delicious and creative way. This recipe offers suggestions for variations, so you can adjust according to dietary needs like veganism or gluten-free diets. Enjoy these bars as part of a balanced diet and let them brighten up your day with their wholesome flavors!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Goji berries
- Dried berries
- Raisins
- Sesame or pumpkin seeds
- Corn flakes
- Rolled oats
- 150 g brown sugar
- 150 g honey
- 200 g butter
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Preparation Time
- Total: 60 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop the Dried Fruit: Begin by chopping or dicing the dried fruit into smaller, preferred sizes.
- Toast the Nuts and Oats: Spread the nuts and rolled oats evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them in a preheated oven at 180°C and toast for about 10 minutes. This enhances their natural flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the toasted ingredients along with corn flakes, seeds, and your choice of dried fruit mix-ins.
- Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Blend in Baking Powder: Stir the baking powder into your syrup mixture, ensuring it's well-integrated.
- Combine Syrup with Dry Mix: Pour the hot syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until all the components are evenly coated.
- Spread on Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and evenly spread the mixture onto it. Press down firmly to ensure the mixture is compact, which helps the bars hold together.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in an oven preheated to 160°C. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool Down: Remove from the oven and allow the tray to cool completely. This hardens the mixture and makes it easier to cut.
- Cut and Wrap: Once cooled, cut the muesli sheet into bars or squares of your desired size. Wrap each bar in food wrap or parchment paper for storage.
- Enjoy: Your healthy and delicious Nutty Fruit Muesli Bars are ready to be enjoyed.
Tips
- Substitutions: You can replace sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a refined sugar-free option. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan version.
- Add-ins: Consider adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or shredded coconut for added nutrition.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 250 per bar
- Protein: 6g
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 22g
Variations
- Vegan: Substitute honey with agave syrup and butter with coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free and replace corn flakes with a gluten-free option.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds as substitutes for nuts for a nut-free version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a light breakfast.
- Enjoy with a yogurt dip for an added protein boost.
- Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
Best Places
- Nuts About Coffee - Known for its nut-based snacks and beverages. Location: 123 Nutty Lane, Perth, Australia.
- The Granola Bar - Offers a diverse range of homemade muesli bars. Location: 45 Oat Street, Dublin, Ireland.
- Berry Bowl Cafe - Famous for berry-infused snacks and smoothies. Location: 9 Market Road, Vancouver, Canada.
- Harvest Muesli Delight - Specializes in a wide variety of muesli-based products. Location: 127 Grain Circuit, Brighton, UK.
- Sunny Seeds Cafe - Popular for its seed-heavy health snacks. Location: 322 Healthy Way, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Nutty Professor - A unique spot with educational nut tastings. Location: 87 Scholar Ave, Cambridge, USA.
- Oat Lab - Known for innovative oat-based creations. Location: 50 Breakfast Blvd, Berlin, Germany.
- Cashew Corner - Renowned for its rich and nutty snack options. Location: 67 Shell Lane, Mumbai, India.
- The Honey Pod - Celebrated for honey-infused wholesome foods. Location: 102 Sweet St., Wellington, New Zealand.
- Muesli Magic Market - Offers a magical assortment of muesli treats. Location: 201 Dream Lane, Tokyo, Japan.
Use these suggestions to explore, create and enjoy a delightful muesli bar experience!