Fruit and Cereal Snack Bars Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 15 bars
These homemade fruit and cereal snack bars are the perfect combination of crunchy oats, sweet dried cranberries, and the smooth richness of white chocolate, making for a snack that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you need a quick breakfast or an energy-boosting treat during the day, these bars are a go-to. With the addition of pistachios and honey, they bring a touch of indulgence while remaining easy to prepare.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rolled oats | 250g |
| Pistachios | 30g |
| Dried cranberries | 25g |
| Honey | 150g |
| White chocolate | 250g |
| Sesame oil | 8g |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 210 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 14g
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by roughly chopping the pistachios into smaller pieces. Set them aside for later use. -
Melt the Honey:
In a small saucepan, place the honey over low heat. Allow it to warm up slightly, making it easier to combine with the other ingredients. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. -
Prepare the Baking Tray:
Place two sheets of parchment paper on your baking tray. For easy handling, lightly brush one side of both sheets with sesame oil using a pastry brush. This will prevent the mixture from sticking to the paper while it bakes. -
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped pistachios, and dried cranberries. Mix them together so the ingredients are evenly distributed. -
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Pour the warm honey over the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is well-coated. Gently stir the mixture to combine, making sure the oats and fruit are evenly moistened. -
Prepare the Pan for Baking:
Transfer the cereal mixture onto the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly across the surface. Place one of the parchment paper sheets (the side brushed with oil) over the mixture, pressing down gently. Use your hands and a rolling pin to flatten the mixture to about 1 cm in thickness. -
Shape the Bars:
Use a pastry cutter or sharp knife to trim the edges of the mixture into a neat rectangle or square shape. This will make it easier to cut the bars later on. Aim for a block that measures about 30×20 cm. -
Bake the Bars:
Preheat your oven to 130°C (265°F) with the fan setting. Place the baking tray into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the edges of the bars are golden and the mixture has set. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking. -
Cool the Bars:
Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer the block to a cutting board. Use the remaining sesame oil to grease a sharp knife, and cut the block into 15 bars of your preferred size. -
Dip in White Chocolate:
While the bars cool, break the white chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) and gently stir the chocolate until it’s fully melted. Ensure the temperature of the chocolate does not exceed 45°C (113°F). -
Coat the Bars:
Once the white chocolate has melted and cooled slightly to about 28°C (82°F), carefully dip one side of each cooled bar into the chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the bars onto a silicone mat with the chocolate-coated side facing down. Let the chocolate set completely before serving or storing. -
Final Touch:
Once the chocolate has hardened, your fruit and cereal snack bars are ready to be enjoyed! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
These homemade fruit and cereal bars are perfect for a busy morning or as a delicious mid-afternoon snack. The combination of oats, honey, and white chocolate offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Enjoy them fresh or packed for on-the-go adventures!
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the Fruit: Feel free to swap out cranberries for other dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, or figs. This is a great way to tailor the bars to your preferences.
- Nuts and Seeds: You can add a variety of nuts like almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds to boost the flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Alternatives: While this recipe uses white chocolate, you can opt for dark chocolate for a richer taste, or even go without chocolate for a lighter, healthier version.
