Grain-Free Fruit & Nut Bars

Grain-Free Fruit & Nut Bars

Snacking is my thang!  I am always looking for the best quality on the go bars or how to recreate one. Most of the time they include oats which I always have on hand and are gluten-free. But I was looking for an energy bar without grains. Don't get me wrong, grains are fine! I just try to limit them as I know how my body processes them.


I was looking for them to have energy lasting power that would sustain for a good pre or post workout snack or any time snack really!  So while in Trader Joe's I came across the dried fruit section that I usually stay away from (added sugar ugh!) but I remember how much I used to love dried apricots in my homemade trail mix and then I saw the dried cherries too, yum!  Both with no sugar added and literally the only ingredients were their fruit! Score! 



Next, I came across the mixed bag of unsalted nuts that I like to have on hand and Viola!!  I thought of my next energy bar!  Dried fruit and nuts!  Ok, maybe not a scientific breakthrough but for me it was genius! LOL! These are super versatile too as you can use any dried fruit that you like and nuts too! I just used a mixture of nuts since I like them all! Also added in pumpkin seeds and coconute flakes - I mean why not?!



Patience is needed with these in the blender to form a nice paste so grab a spatula and keep scraping down the sides. Once the paste is formed press the mix into an 8x8 pan and refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up. BUT...before doing that I decided to grab my peanut butter Cocoa Bar in a Jar and drizzle it on top! Now that's genius!  Then I refrigerated everything and it created a hard chocolate shell on top - Yum! 

I have been creating recipes with Cocoa Bar in a Jar for a few months now and they have a special code just for my readers too!  CHERISE10 and get 10% off your own jar!  Trust me, you want to check them out! Here are the other recipes you can make too....

Healthy Thin Mint Bars

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

Dreamy Tahini PB Cups

I was able to get 9 bars that I individually wrapped and kept in the fridge to snack on all week. They are soft so caution when eating but they are really good!  I am thinking to roll them into balls for quick back to school snacks when September rolls around! Stay Tuned!

As always be sure to tag me on Instagram or use the #cheriseeats so I can see your creations! 

xo, cherise

Grain-Free Fruit & Nut Bars
Recipe Here

Ingredients:

3/4 cup dried apricots (no sugar added)
3/4 cup dried cherries (no sugar added)
1.5 cups fav nuts (I used cashews, almonds, pistachios, pecans)
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Grease an 8x8 baking dish and set aside.
2. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor reserving 1/2 cup of the nuts.
3. Once it becomes thick and pasty, add in the remaining nuts and blend until slightly broken down (leave some chunks for texture)
4. Press mix into the pan and then drizzle with Cocoa Bar in a Jar. Refrigerate for about an hour.
5. Cut into 9 squares. Keep leftovers in fridge or freezer. 



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