If you’re looking for a treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, these Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars are your new go-to recipe. They’re loaded with crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruit, and rich chocolate, coming together in a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you need a wholesome snack, a lunchbox surprise, or a beautiful gift, this recipe never disappoints. Trust me, once you taste these bars, you’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge all year round.

Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars is how a handful of pantry staples transform into something truly special. Each ingredient brings its unique flavor, crunch, or chewiness, making every bite a joyful experience.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the bars, semi-sweet chocolate creates a decadent, not-too-sweet base that binds everything together.
Coconut oil (1 tablespoon): This helps melt the chocolate smoothly and adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor.
Chopped almonds (1/2 cup): Almonds provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty richness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Chopped walnuts (1/4 cup): Walnuts add creaminess and an earthy note, balancing out the flavors.
Chopped dried cranberries (1/4 cup): These little jewels offer tartness and a burst of color.
Chopped dried apricots (1/4 cup): Apricots bring a sweet, sunshine-like chewiness that plays beautifully with the other fruits and nuts.
Sunflower seeds (2 tablespoons): For extra crunch and a gentle nuttiness that makes the bars even more addictive.
Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a sprinkle elevates all the flavors and gives a gourmet touch.

How to Make Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This little step makes your life so much easier when it’s time to lift and slice the bars later—no sticking, no mess, just clean edges and easy removal.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is silky smooth. The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt evenly and gives it that lovely glossy finish.

Step 3: Mix the Fruit and Nuts

In a separate large bowl, toss together the chopped almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots, and sunflower seeds. This is where the magic happens—the variety of textures and flavors ensures every bite is a little different and entirely delightful.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the melted chocolate over the fruit and nut mixture. Gently stir everything together until every piece is enveloped in chocolate. Take a moment to enjoy the sight of all those vibrant ingredients coming together!

Step 5: Set and Chill

Scrape the mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the sea salt over the top for that irresistible sweet-salty contrast. Now, pop the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the slab out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into 12 bars—each one packed with everything you love about Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars. Enjoy immediately or stash them in the fridge for a ready-to-go snack.

How to Serve Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of extra sea salt or a dusting of finely chopped nuts can make your Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars look as good as they taste. If you’re feeling fancy, try drizzling a bit of melted white chocolate over the top for a beautiful contrast.

Side Dishes

These bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an energizing breakfast, serve them alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries. They also make a wonderful addition to a cheese and fruit platter for gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a party snack, or stack them in a colorful tin for easy grab-and-go treats. However you serve them, Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars are sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious and firm for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or snacking throughout busy days.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for these no-bake treats. If you prefer your bars a bit softer, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts or dried fruits in Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible—swap in pecans, pistachios, raisins, or cherries based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Are these bars vegan-friendly?

They can be! Just make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free, and you’ll have a vegan version of Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars that everyone can enjoy.

Do these bars travel well?

Yes, they do! Pack them in a chilled lunchbox or cooler for road trips, hikes, or picnics. Just keep them out of direct sunlight so the chocolate doesn’t get too soft.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead. You’ll end up with a big batch of Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars, perfect for sharing (or not!).

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the knife when cutting?

For clean, neat slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice while the bars are cold. Repeat as needed between cuts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about making a treat that’s both wholesome and deeply chocolatey. I hope you enjoy these Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars as much as I do—don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect! Give them a try and let them become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars are a delicious no-bake snack combining rich semi-sweet chocolate with a crunchy, chewy mix of almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, apricots, and sunflower seeds. Perfectly salted and easy to prepare, these bars make a healthy treat suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Mixture

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Nut and Fruit Mix

1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

Finishing

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper ensuring the paper extends over the edges for easy removal later.
Melt Chocolate: Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Mix Nuts and Fruits: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots, and sunflower seeds thoroughly.
Combine and Coat: Pour the melted chocolate over the nut and fruit mix. Stir gently until every piece is well coated with chocolate.
Set in Dish: Spread the chocolate-coated mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
Add Salt: Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top to enhance flavor and add a subtle crunch.
Chill: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour until the bars set and harden sufficiently.
Cut Bars: Once firm, lift the set mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, then cut into 12 individual bars.
Store: Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for freshness.

Notes

You can customize the bars using any nuts and dried fruits you prefer, such as pecans, cashews, raisins, or figs.
For a vegan version, be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips and confirm all ingredients meet vegan standards.
These bars make excellent snacks or thoughtful homemade gifts.
Store the bars in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and prevent melting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American