Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Gluten-Free Fruit and Nut Bars, a perfect grab-and-go snack that's packed with nutrition and flavor. These chewy and satisfying bars combine the natural sweetness of mixed dried fruits with the crunch of almonds, walnuts, and pecans, all nestled together with gluten-free oats, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds for a boost of fiber and protein. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup and creamy almond butter ties everything together, while a hint of cinnamon adds warmth to each bite. Quick and easy to prepare, these homemade energy bars bake to perfection in just 15 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings, post-workout snacks, or afternoon pick-me-ups. Crafted without gluten and free of refined sugars, they cater to both health-conscious eaters and those with dietary restrictions. Make them ahead, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy a sweet and nutty treat whenever the cravings strike!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, mixed dried fruits, mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is smoothly combined and heated through, then remove from the heat.
Add the vanilla extract to the almond butter and honey mixture, stirring to incorporate.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, using a spatula to mix until all the dry ingredients are well-coated with the almond butter mixture.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment paper overhang.
Once cooled, cut into 12 bars or desired sizes. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Calories |
3397 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 181.8 g | 233% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.5 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 630 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 385.6 g | 140% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 57.1 g | 204% | |
| Total Sugars | 219.4 g | ||
| Protein | 92.5 g | 185% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 811 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 23.5 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 4095 mg | 87% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.