Best Easy Nut and Seed Bar Recipe

Looking for a healthy and delicious snack option? Look no further than nut and seed bars! These homemade bars are packed with nutritious ingredients, making them a perfect choice for a quick energy boost or a post-workout treat. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make. Here is a simple yet delicious nut and seed bar recipe that you can try at home.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews)
– ½ cup mixed seeds (such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds)
– ½ cup dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
– ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
– ¼ cup nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, mixed seeds, and dried fruits.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the honey or maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat until well combined and the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Pour the warm mixture over the nut and seed mixture and stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish before cutting into bars.
8. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and cut the mixture into bars of desired size and shape.
9. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Now that you have the recipe, let’s explore some commonly asked questions about nut and seed bars:

1. Can I use different nuts and seeds in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by using your favorite nuts and seeds. Just make sure to keep the proportions similar to maintain the right consistency.

2. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
It’s best to use dried fruits in this recipe as they provide a chewy texture and enhance the flavors. Fresh fruits may add too much moisture and affect the shelf life of the bars.

3. Can I substitute honey/maple syrup with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or any other liquid sweetener of your choice. Adjust the quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.

4. Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

5. Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or any other mix-ins you like. Just fold them into the mixture before baking.

6. Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, you can replace the nuts with more seeds or use crushed rice cakes or puffed grains for added texture.

7. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these nut and seed bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

8. Can I use a different nut butter?
Certainly! You can substitute the nut butter with sunflower seed butter, tahini, or any other nut-free alternative.