Healthy Nut and Fig Bars Recipe
This recipe is chewy and nutty, packed with nuts and dried fruits for a perfect energy bar. Make a big batch for packed lunches and to have as a ready snack.
Servings 10 Bars
Ingredients
- 10 dried figs soaked for 20 minutes
- 10 medjool dates soaked 20 minutes
- 1 cup pistachios or assorted nuts almonds, walnuts, macadamias, cashews work well
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup cranberries
- 4 tbsp almond meal
- 1 ½ tsp coconut oil
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
Instructions
- Dry roast the nuts in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once cooled, chop them into small pieces.
- Drain the figs and dates well, then blend them in a food processor into a paste.
- Heat coconut oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat, add the fig and date paste, and cook, stirring continuously until it forms a sticky mixture. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the chopped roasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and poppy seeds to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased or parchment-lined tray.
- Press it into a 20mm thick slaband freeze for 2 hours.
- Cut into rectangular bars witha sharp knife and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Variations and Tips:
- Add a pinch of cardamom or rosewater for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Substitute pistachios with other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, macadamias or cashews.
- Adjust the ratio of dried fruits to nuts to achieve desired chewiness or crunchiness. Be sure to have enough dates and figs to allow the bars to bind the nuts.
- The nut and fig bars will keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. For a firmer texture, store the bars in the freezer, especially during warmer climate for up to 4 months.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as a quick breakfast on the go.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea for an afternoon snack.
- Include in lunchboxes for a healthy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Energy Bars:
- Can I substitute other nuts for pistachios? Yes, almonds, walnuts, macadamias or cashews work well.
- Are these energy bars gluten-free? Yes, be sure to buy ingredients that are certified gluten-free.
- How long do these bars last? They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a month and in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- Can I make these bars without a food processor? Absolutely, finely chopping the dried fruits and mixing thoroughly while cooking works very well.