Sometimes, you just need a sweet treat that’s both indulgent and a little bit wholesome—something that satisfies your chocolate cravings but also gives you that comforting, energizing boost. Enter Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars—a perfect balance of rich, velvety chocolate, crunchy nuts, and chewy dried fruits. They’re packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness to hit the spot. These bars are easy to make, customizable to your taste, and can be enjoyed any time of day—whether as a mid-afternoon snack, a grab-and-go breakfast, or a post-workout pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars
These bars are the ultimate mix of health and indulgence, and here’s why you’ll love them:
Quick and Easy
You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up these bars. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of these delicious treats without any fuss.
Customizable
You can mix and match your favorite nuts and fruits to make the bars exactly how you like them. Whether you prefer almonds and dried cranberries, or walnuts and raisins, the possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Meal Prep
These bars are fantastic for meal prepping. Make a batch, store them in the fridge, and you’ll have snacks ready to go for the whole week. No more reaching for unhealthy options when you’re hungry!
Great for Gifting
Homemade chocolate fruit and nut bars make a thoughtful gift. Package them up in a cute box or tin, and share them with friends and family. They’re sure to love the personal touch!
Ingredients
To make these Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars, here’s everything you’ll need:
- Dark chocolate: The rich, slightly bitter flavor of dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the nuts.
- Mixed nuts: A combination of almonds, walnuts, cashews, or whatever nuts you love adds crunch and protein to the bars.
- Dried fruit: Choose from raisins, cranberries, apricots, or any dried fruit you enjoy. The sweetness from the fruit helps balance out the dark chocolate.
- Honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener to bind everything together and add just the right amount of sweetness.
- Oats: They help give the bars structure and a bit of chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: For a subtle hint of flavor that ties everything together.
Instructions
Making these Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars is as easy as melting chocolate and mixing ingredients. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Start by breaking the dark chocolate into pieces and melting it. You can do this in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler style) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s smooth and completely melted.
Step 2: Prep the Dry Ingredients
While the chocolate is melting, grab a large mixing bowl and add your mixed nuts, dried fruit, and oats. You can roughly chop the nuts if you prefer smaller pieces, or leave them whole for more texture. Add in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Combine with Sweetener
Once the chocolate has melted, stir in the honey or maple syrup along with the vanilla extract. This will create a silky, sweet mixture to bind all the ingredients together.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over your nuts, dried fruit, and oats. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients evenly in the chocolate. Make sure all the dry ingredients are fully coated with the chocolate, creating a sticky, delicious mess!
Step 5: Set the Bars
Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper. Transfer the chocolate mixture to the dish, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer. The bars will hold their shape better if you pack them tightly.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Pop the dish into the fridge and let it chill for about 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. This step is important to ensure the bars hold together when you cut them.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!
Once the mixture is set, remove it from the fridge and carefully cut it into bars or squares. These bars are rich and filling, so you can cut them into small portions.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10-12 bars (depending on size)
Calories per serving: ~180-220 calories (depending on specific ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours
How to Serve Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars
These bars are super versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- On the Go: Wrap them individually and toss them in your bag for a quick snack during the day.
- As a Dessert: Serve them at your next dinner party or family gathering as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
- In Lunchboxes: Pack these bars in school or work lunches for a healthy, satisfying snack.
- With Yogurt: Crumble a bar on top of Greek yogurt for an added crunch and sweetness.
Additional Tips
- Use Your Favorite Chocolate: If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to use milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a sweeter treat.
- Add Spice: For a fun twist, try adding a dash of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or cardamom to the mix for a subtle flavor boost.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
- Make Them Vegan: For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate and maple syrup instead of honey.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other types of fruit in these bars?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite dried fruits like apricots, cherries, or blueberries. Just make sure they’re chopped into small pieces for even distribution.
Q2: Can I use roasted nuts?
A2: Yes! Roasted nuts will add extra flavor and crunch to the bars. Just be sure to let them cool before mixing them with the chocolate.
Q3: What if my bars are too sticky after setting?
A3: If the bars are too sticky, it could be that the chocolate didn’t set long enough. Just chill them for a bit longer, and they should firm up.
Q4: Can I skip the oats?
A4: You can, but oats help with structure and texture. If you prefer not to use them, you can increase the amount of nuts or add puffed rice for extra crunch.
Q5: Can I make these bars nut-free?
A5: Absolutely! You can substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version, or use extra dried fruit and oats to balance it out.
Q6: Can I use a different type of sweetener?
A6: Yes! You can swap honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even coconut sugar, depending on your preference.
Q7: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A7: Yes, these bars are naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free oats and check that your chocolate doesn’t contain any gluten.
Q8: How can I make these bars more decadent?
A8: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top of the bars after they’ve set, or sprinkle some sea salt for a sweet and salty twist!
Q9: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A9: Yes! These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to a few months.
Q10: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A10: You can definitely use milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bar. Just keep in mind that dark chocolate provides a richer, less sugary flavor that balances well with the nuts and fruit.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars are an absolute treat that combines everything you love about chocolate and nuts in one perfect bar. They’re easy to make, infinitely customizable, and perfect for just about any occasion—whether you’re in need of a quick snack or a satisfying dessert. Make a batch today and enjoy the perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and chocolatey goodness!
Print
Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8–10 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars are the perfect combination of rich, indulgent chocolate and wholesome dried fruits and crunchy nuts. Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, these bars are an easy and satisfying snack, perfect for an energy boost on-the-go or a healthy dessert. Whether you need a pre-workout snack or a treat to curb your sweet tooth, these bars are a delicious and nutritious choice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for a sweeter option)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins, apricots, or any dried fruit of choice)
- 1/2 cup unsalted almonds, chopped (or any nuts like walnuts, cashews, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for extra texture and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for balancing sweetness)
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler method).
- Prepare the Fruit and Nuts:
- While the chocolate is melting, prepare your fruit and nuts. Chop the dried cranberries (or other fruit), almonds, and any other nuts you’re using into smaller pieces to make them easier to bite into.
- If you’re using sunflower seeds and shredded coconut, have them ready as well.
- Mix Everything Together:
- In a large bowl, combine the melted chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, and any optional ingredients (like honey or vanilla extract). Stir until everything is evenly coated in the melted chocolate.
- Form the Bars:
- Line a small baking dish (8×8-inch or similar) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Press down gently to compact the mixture, ensuring it sticks together.
- Set the Bars:
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1-2 hours or until it has completely set and hardened. If you’re in a rush, you can also freeze it for 30 minutes for quicker results.
- Cut into Bars:
- Once set, remove the chocolate mixture from the fridge or freezer and lift it out of the dish using the parchment paper.
- Cut it into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
- Serve and Store:
- Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- They can also be individually wrapped for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the type of nuts and dried fruits based on your personal preferences. You can add raisins, apricots, pecans, or walnuts for a variety of textures and flavors.
- For a vegan version, ensure you’re using dairy-free chocolate and maple syrup.
- You can make these bars as sweet or as rich as you like by adjusting the amount of honey or sweetener.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American