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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
