Chocolate-covered fruit and nut bars are a delicious and nutritious snack, combining crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and rich chocolate. These bars are perfect for a quick energy boost, a healthy dessert, or even a homemade gift. They are easy to make, customizable, and packed with natural sweetness and healthy fats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A healthier alternative to store-bought granola or candy bars.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Naturally sweetened with dried fruit, reducing the need for added sugars.
- Highly customizable with your favorite nuts, fruits, and chocolate.
- A perfect grab-and-go snack for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans)
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, or dates)
- Dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, based on preference)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
Directions
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped nuts and dried fruit.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey (or maple syrup) and nut butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and stir well.
- Pour the mixture over the nuts and dried fruit, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking dish, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer.
- Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the nut and fruit mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor (optional).
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Once firm, cut into bars and store as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin instead of nuts.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted coconut flakes or puffed rice for more texture.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free chocolate and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Protein Boost: Mix in protein powder with the nut butter for added nutrition.
- Different Chocolate Options: Use white or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze bars for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before eating.
- Room Temperature: Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days if not using perishable ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Fresh fruit has a high moisture content and may not store well. Stick to dried fruit for the best texture and shelf life.
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure all ingredients, including chocolate, are certified gluten-free.
What is the best type of chocolate to use?
Dark chocolate (70% or higher) provides a rich flavor and health benefits, but milk or white chocolate can be used for a sweeter taste.
Can I add oats to these bars?
Yes, you can mix in oats for a more granola-bar-like texture.
How do I prevent the bars from crumbling?
Press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill properly before cutting. Adding extra nut butter or honey can help bind the ingredients together.
Can I substitute nut butter with something else?
Yes, seed butters like sunflower seed or tahini work as nut-free alternatives.
Do I need to roast the nuts beforehand?
Roasting enhances the flavor, but raw nuts work just fine.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger pan and adjust chilling time as needed.
How do I cut the bars without breaking them?
Use a sharp knife and cut them while they are slightly chilled but not completely frozen.
Are these bars good for meal prep?
Yes! They are great for meal prepping and can be stored for several weeks.
Conclusion
Chocolate-covered fruit and nut bars are a perfect homemade snack that balances sweetness, crunch, and nutrition. Easy to make and highly customizable, they are a great alternative to store-bought snacks. Whether for a quick breakfast, post-workout snack, or dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Print
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 6–8 bars 1x
Description
These chocolate-covered fruit & nut bars are a delightful blend of crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruits, and a smooth chocolate coating. A perfect homemade snack or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, raisins)
- 1 cup white chocolate (melted)
- 1 cup dark chocolate (melted)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp colorful candy sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix nuts, dried fruits, honey, and sea salt.
- Spread the mixture in a lined baking tray and press down firmly.
- Pour melted white chocolate over the mixture and let it set.
- Once set, coat the bars with melted dark chocolate.
- Sprinkle with candy or nuts for decoration.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before slicing into bars
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Substitute white chocolate with peanut butter for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American