Healthy Oat & Nut Snack Bars with Maple and Cranberries
Oat and Nut Snack Bars
Category: Desserts
Serves: 12
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oats (rolled) | 100g |
| Almonds (unpeeled) | 150g |
| Maple syrup | 95g |
| Cashews | 120g |
| Dried cranberries | 130g |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 13g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Almonds: Start by toasting the unpeeled almonds. Preheat the oven and place the almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toast them for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until they’re fragrant and golden. Once done, allow them to cool for 5-6 minutes.
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Make the Almond Butter: Transfer the cooled almonds to a food processor or blender. Process until you achieve a creamy texture, thanks to the natural oils released by the almonds. This will be the base of your snack bar mixture.
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Add the Remaining Ingredients: To the almond butter, add the dried cranberries, cashews, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Use a spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
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Prepare the Pan: Line a rectangular baking dish (or any suitable container) with parchment paper. This will help prevent the bars from sticking to the surface once set.
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Press the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, press the mixture evenly to create a compact layer about 1 cm thick. Make sure it’s firmly pressed to ensure the bars hold together.
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Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bars to firm up and solidify.
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Cut and Serve: Once the mixture has set, flip the baking dish over onto a cutting board. Carefully remove the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut the block in half lengthwise, then slice into 12 equal bars.
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Enjoy: Your oat and nut snack bars are now ready to enjoy! They make a perfect, healthy snack for any time of the day—especially when you’re craving something sweet but nourishing.
Tips:
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to a month if you want to keep them longer.
- Customization: Feel free to swap the cranberries for other dried fruits like apricots or raisins, or add a handful of seeds for extra crunch.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can add an extra drizzle of maple syrup or honey into the mix before pressing it into the pan.
