If you’ve ever craved a snack that’s both indulgent and nourishing, the Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These no-bake bars combine the rich allure of semi-sweet chocolate with the delightful chew of dried fruits and the satisfying crunch of mixed nuts. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures, creating a perfect treat that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Whether you need an energy boost during the day or a guilt-free dessert, these bars are simple to make and irresistibly good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute unique taste, texture, and color, making these bars both delicious and visually appealing.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The heart of the recipe, they provide rich chocolate flavor and smooth binding.
- Mixed dried fruits: Cranberries, raisins, and apricots add natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Mixed nuts: Almonds, cashews, and walnuts lend a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- Rolled oats: These provide a hearty base and chewy bite, grounding the bars nutritionally.
- Shredded coconut (unsweetened): Adds a tropical aroma and subtle texture contrast.
- Honey or maple syrup: For natural sweetness and to help bind the ingredients together.
- Coconut oil: Helps melt everything smoothly and lends a hint of coconut flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and complexity to elevate the overall taste.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple step ensures that your bars will come out cleanly and hold their shape when cutting.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, shredded coconut, dried fruits, and mixed nuts. Combining these first lets you evenly distribute the variety of textures and flavors for each bite.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy, forming the luscious coating that will hold your bars together.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until everything is well coated. This is where all the ingredients meld into one irresistible blend.
Step 5: Set the Bars
Transfer the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly — compact bars are easier to cut and hold together better. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set and firm.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once chilled and firm, lift the mixture from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars, and your delightful Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of each bar before serving. This enhances the chocolate while adding a striking visual touch to impress guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cup of hot herbal tea or a cold glass of milk. The combination balances the sweetness and creates a fulfilling snack experience, perfect for mid-afternoon cravings or a quick breakfast boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift or pack them alongside fresh fruit in a picnic basket. You can also crumble some bars over yogurt or ice cream to add a crunchy, chocolaty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to a week, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
To extend their shelf life, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
These bars are best served chilled, but if you prefer them a bit softer, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving to maintain their texture and prevent melting.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! This Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to use your favorite nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste or dietary needs. Just keep the total quantity similar.
Are these bars suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply substitute honey with maple syrup to keep these bars fully vegan-friendly without sacrificing sweetness or texture.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Dark chocolate works great and adds a richer, less sweet chocolate flavor. Choose one with at least 60% cacao for the best balance.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars?
Refrigeration helps the bars set firm and keeps them fresh longer. If kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place, they might become soft and sticky quickly.
Can I toast the oats and nuts?
Definitely! Toasting the oats and nuts before mixing intensifies their flavor and adds a lovely crunch, making the bars even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend the Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe enough. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while sneaking in some wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a sweet treat, or a gift, these bars never disappoint. Give them a try—you might just find your new obsession!
Print
Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and wholesome Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars featuring a rich blend of semi-sweet chocolate chips, mixed dried fruits, nuts, oats, and shredded coconut. These no-bake bars are easy to prepare and perfect as a nutritious snack or on-the-go treat, offering a balance of sweetness, crunch, and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, and chopped apricots)
- ¾ cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the bars later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, mixed dried fruits, and mixed nuts. Stir to evenly distribute all the components.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted without burning.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until every ingredient is well coated and the mixture is evenly combined.
- Press and Chill: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula to compact the mixture, ensuring the bars will hold together.
- Refrigerate: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until fully set and firm enough to cut.
- Cut and Store: Once set, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper and cut into 12 bars. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Customize the dried fruits and nuts to your liking for varied flavors and textures.
- For a nuttier flavor and extra crunch, toast the oats and nuts lightly before mixing.
- Use either honey or maple syrup depending on your dietary preferences or availability.
- Keep the bars refrigerated as they are chocolate-based and can soften at room temperature.
