Description
Homemade nutty cranberry energy bars blend wholesome ingredients into a delightful snack perfect for active lifestyles. Packed with protein, natural sweetness, and satisfying crunch, these bars offer quick nutrition for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Seeds:
- 75 grams (1/2 cup / 2.6 ounces) almonds
- 50 grams (1/2 cup / 1.8 ounces) walnuts
- 50 grams (1/2 cup / 1.8 ounces) pumpkin seeds
Binding Ingredients:
- 250 grams (1 and 2/3 cups / 8.8 ounces) dates, pitted
- 100 grams (1/3 cup / 3.5 ounces) peanut butter
Additional Ingredients:
- 40 grams (1/4 cup / 1.4 ounces) dried cranberries
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Warm the almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium heat for approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Remove the toasted nuts from heat and allow them to cool completely on a separate plate.
- Submerge dates in cold water for 15 minutes to soften, then drain and remove pits.
- Transfer softened dates to a food processor and blend until they form a smooth, sticky consistency.
- Incorporate peanut butter into the date mixture, processing until thoroughly combined.
- Gently fold the cooled nuts into the mixture, pulsing briefly to maintain a chunky texture.
- Briefly soak dried cranberries in water, drain, and add to the processor with a pinch of salt.
- Pulse the mixture quickly, ensuring the cranberries remain slightly intact for texture variation.
- Spread the mixture onto parchment paper, using a spatula to create an even, compact layer.
- Cover with another parchment sheet and press firmly to help the bars hold together.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the mixture becomes firm and easily sliceable.
- Remove from refrigerator and slice into uniform bars or squares.
- Wrap individual bars in cling film or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Notes
- Perfectly Toast Nuts by stirring constantly and watching closely to prevent burning, ensuring an even golden color and rich, nutty flavor.
- Soak Dates and Cranberries in warm water instead of cold to help them soften faster and release natural sweetness more effectively.
- Control Texture by pulsing ingredients in short bursts, checking consistency between pulses to maintain desired chunkiness or smoothness.
- Enhance Nutrition by experimenting with superfoods like chia seeds, hemp hearts, or protein powder for additional health benefits without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg