Craving a wholesome snack that’s both delicious and easy to make? These Cranberry Pistachio Chewy Bars are a perfect choice for satisfying your sweet tooth with a healthy twist. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare and how much energy they provide.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats work best for texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but the bars might be softer.
- Dried Cranberries: Feel free to swap with other dried fruits like chopped apricots, raisins, or cherries.
- Pistachios: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds are excellent alternatives if you don’t have pistachios.
- Nut Butter: Creamy almond butter or peanut butter works well. Ensure it’s natural with no added sugar for the healthiest option.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar are good substitutes for a similar level of sweetness and binding.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup natural nut butter (almond or peanut)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8 bars
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 (depending on nut butter and additions)
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowl, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the healthy bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper if desired, though it’s often not necessary.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and unsweetened shredded coconut (if using). Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the natural nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Make sure all these wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Combine All Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to mix everything until all the dry ingredients are well coated and a sticky dough forms. Ensure there are no dry spots remaining.
5. Press into Pan
Transfer the mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Press the mixture down very firmly and evenly using the back of your spatula or your hands. You want a compact layer for sturdy healthy bars.
6. Chill and Serve
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the bars to firm up. Once chilled, lift the healthy bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slice them into 8 even squares.
Variation Ideas
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Incorporate different seeds like chia seeds or flax seeds for added nutrients.
- Press a thin layer of melted dark chocolate on top before chilling for a decadent finish.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
Store your Cranberry Pistachio Chewy Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to one month; just thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. These healthy bars are perfect for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I bake these healthy bars? No, these are no-bake bars designed to firm up in the refrigerator. Baking them would change their texture considerably.
- Are these bars gluten-free? Yes, if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these healthy bars are naturally gluten-free.
- How can I make them sweeter? You can increase the amount of maple syrup slightly, but be careful not to make them too sticky.
- What if my mixture is too dry? Add a small amount of extra nut butter or maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide a better base for these healthy bars.
- Do I have to chill them? Yes, chilling is crucial for these healthy bars to firm up properly and hold their shape when sliced.