Irresistibly Crunchy Homemade Chocolate Fruit And Nut Bars Recipe

Crafting delectable chocolate fruit and nut bars at home opens a world of sweet, wholesome indulgence.

These homemade chocolate fruit and nut bars deliver a perfect blend of rich, velvety chocolate with crunchy nuts and chewy dried fruits.

Each bite brings a symphony of textures and flavors that commercial snacks simply cannot match.

Packed with natural ingredients and free from unnecessary preservatives, these bars offer a healthier alternative to store-bought treats.

The simple preparation process means you can whip up a batch in under an hour, creating a delightful snack for any occasion.

Customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, mixing different nuts and fruits for a unique culinary experience.

Dive into this delicious recipe and treat yourself to a homemade snack that beats any packaged bar.

What Matches with Chocolate Fruit Nut Bars

• Savor Chocolate Wine Pairing: Dark chocolate's rich intensity beautifully matches full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Port, creating a luxurious flavor explosion that enhances the nutty and fruity notes in the bars.
• Craft Coffee Companion: Espresso or robust cold brew coffee complements the chocolate's bittersweet profile, cutting through the sweetness while highlighting the deep, complex flavors of nuts and dried fruits.
• Design Dessert Wine Match: Sweet dessert wines like Moscato or late harvest Riesling provide a delightful contrast, balancing the chocolate's intensity with their light, honeyed character and refreshing acidity.
• Elevate Herbal Tea Connection: Loose-leaf chai or Earl Grey tea offer warming spices that dance beautifully with the chocolate and nutty elements, creating a harmonious and comforting tasting experience.

Best Way to Store Chocolate Nut Bars

• Seal bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for 5-7 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that might cause chocolate to melt.
• Gently warm bars at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. For a softer texture, microwave briefly (5-10 seconds) or let sit in a warm area to soften chocolate coating.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the bars stick together well?

Firmly press the mixture into the tray using a flat object like a glass bottom. Compact the ingredients tightly to help them bind together and prevent crumbling.

• Can I customize the nuts and fruits in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap almonds for walnuts, pistachios, or pecans. Replace apricots and figs with dried cranberries, raisins, or dates to suit your taste preferences.

• What type of chocolate works best for coating?

Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content provides the best flavor and smoothest coating. However, you can also use milk or semi-sweet chocolate based on your preference.

Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars for Sweet Snacking

• Boost Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Mexican-inspired spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and Cotija cheese that create an incredible taste experience.
• Tackle Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for gatherings, parties, or casual get-togethers where everyone craves a delicious, shareable appetizer that sparks conversation.
• Master Quick Cooking Skills: Simple frying technique makes this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels, allowing even beginners to create restaurant-quality street food at home.
• Celebrate Texture Triumph: Crispy exterior meets soft, corn-studded interior, delivering a satisfying crunch and moist bite that keeps people coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Nut Bars

• Almonds: A crunchy base that provides a rich, nutty flavor and healthy fats.
• Dried Apricots, Dried Figs: Sweet and chewy fruits that add natural sweetness and texture to the bars.

• Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds: Nutritious seeds that contribute extra crunch and a subtle earthy flavor.

• Dark Chocolate: Rich coating that adds a deep, indulgent chocolate flavor and helps bind the bars together.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that helps hold the ingredients together and adds moisture to the bars.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate and nuts.
• Sea Salt: A small pinch enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.

Steps for Making Chocolate Fruit Nut Bars

Step 1: Prepare Fruit and Nuts

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife. Chop almonds, apricots, and figs into tiny bite-sized pieces.

For a softer texture, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until they form a rough, chunky mixture. The goal is to create a blend that will hold together nicely.

Step 2: Set Up Workspace

Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper. If you prefer individual bars, a silicone mold works perfectly.

Ensure the surface is smooth and completely covered to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Fruit and Nut Blend

• Chopped almonds
• Diced apricots
• Sliced figs
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds

Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Shape the Bars

Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tray. Use the bottom of a glass or your hands to compact the ingredients.

Create an even layer about half an inch thick. For thicker bars, concentrate the mixture on one side of the tray.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes. This helps the bars firm up and makes cutting easier.

The cold temperature will help the ingredients stick together.

Step 6: Melt Chocolate

Select dark chocolate for coating.

Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst.

Continue until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Coat and Decorate

Remove the tray from the freezer and slice into bar-sized pieces.

Drizzle or pour melted chocolate over each bar, ensuring complete coverage. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or quickly in the refrigerator.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Transfer bars to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for two weeks.

Enjoy as a quick snack or energy boost during the day.

Handy Details for Fruit and Nut Bar Success

• Blend ingredients briefly for chewier bars or chop coarsely for a more rustic texture with distinct chunks of fruit and nuts.
• Use dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage for less sugar or mix in honey for added natural sweetness.
• Melt chocolate slowly using double boiler method to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy finish.
• Add superfoods like chia seeds, hemp hearts, or flaxseeds for extra protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Prepare bars in advance and store in freezer for up to one month, making them perfect for quick snacks or meal prep.

Fillings to Try in Your Nut Bars Next

• Vegan Power Bars: Replace honey with maple syrup, use dairy-free dark chocolate, and add plant-based protein powder for extra nutrition.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Swap almonds with macadamia nuts, use dried mango and pineapple instead of apricots and figs, and add coconut flakes for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Protein-Packed Bars: Incorporate whey or plant-based protein powder, add chia seeds, and use a mix of nuts like pistachios and walnuts for increased protein content.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use sugar-free chocolate, replace dried fruits with low-carb berries, and include high-fat nuts like pecans and brazil nuts to match ketogenic diet requirements.

Homemade Chocolate Fruit And Nut Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate Fruit and Nut Bars bring Mediterranean sweetness to classic snacking adventures. Packed with wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, these bars offer delightful energy for chocolate enthusiasts seeking natural indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate (for melting and coating)
• 1/4 cup almonds (raw)
• 3 dried apricots
• 2 dried figs

Dried Fruits and Berries:

• 1/4 cup barberries (dried, or goji berries or soft cranberries)

Seeds:

• 1 tablespoon raw sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds

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Instructions

1. Finely dice almonds, apricots, and figs into uniform small pieces, creating a textured base mixture that ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
2. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or select a silicone mold for precise bar shaping.
3. Thoroughly blend chopped nuts, dried fruits, and seeds in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients for balanced taste.
4. Compress the ingredient mixture firmly into the prepared tray, using a flat utensil to create a compact, dense layer with uniform thickness.
5. Refrigerate the pressed mixture for 30 minutes at 0°C to solidify and facilitate clean cutting.
6. Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler method, heating gently until smooth and glossy, stirring consistently to prevent burning.
7. Remove chilled mixture from refrigerator and slice into rectangular bars of consistent size and shape.
8. Generously drizzle or coat each bar with melted chocolate, allowing the chocolate to set completely at room temperature.
9. Transfer chocolate-covered bars to an airtight container, storing in a cool, dry place or refrigerator to maintain texture and prevent melting.

Notes

• Customize texture by adjusting chopping techniques, from rough chunks to fine blends for different mouthfeel experiences.
• Try alternative nuts like pistachios or cashews to create unique flavor profiles that match personal taste preferences.
• Consider using sugar-free dark chocolate for low-carb diets or replacing chocolate with raw cacao for enhanced nutritional benefits.
• Keep bars fresh by wrapping individually in parchment paper and storing in cool, dry places to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture absorption.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 169 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg