If you find yourself in a store staring at energy bars – this recipe is for you. I get it. Pre-packed fruit and nut bars are quick, easy and taste pretty darn good. But you can make them yourself – provided you own a food processor (or have a nice friend who will lend you theirs).

We keep a batch tucked in the freezer to grab when we haven’t eaten all day. It satiates hunger and curbs the need and desire for something sweet. Plus, they’re handy for traveling.

The Apricot-Ginger bars have a nice flavor with a pop of ginger. The Cinnamon-Raisin bars are the sweetest (in my opinion), therefore, come across as the most decadent. As for the Plum-Lavender bars, the subtle lavender flavor makes for a delightful culinary touch.

These bars are so easy to make and you can craft your own creations based on your favorites. Simply follow the master recipe below.

Homemade Fruit & Nut Energy Bars Three Ways

Gluten, Grain, Soy, Dairy & Egg Free
Vegan • Paleo Friendly
Each Batch Yields 18 Bars

Use This

Apricot-Ginger

½ cup (3oz) cashews

¼ cup (1.4oz) almonds

¼ cup (.9oz) shredded unsweetened coconut

1½ teaspoons ground ginger

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 cup (5.8oz) dried apricots

1 cup (5.8oz) medjool dates, pitted

 

Cinnamon Raisin

½ cup (2.3oz) walnuts

½ cup (2.6oz) pecans

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 cup (5.8oz) medjool dates, pitted

1 cup (5oz) raisins

 

Lavender Plum

½ cup (3oz) cashews

½ cup (2.8oz) almonds

½ teaspoon culinary dried lavender

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 cup (6.4oz) prunes

1 cup (5.8oz) medjool dates, pitted

Do This

1. Line an 9 x 13 pan with parchment. Use 1 pan for each type of bar you make.
2. Decide which bar to make. In a food processor in the S-blade, combine all ingredients except dried fruit and dates. Pulse 3-4 times.
3. Add dried fruit and dates. Process until everything is broken down and a ball begins to form. Take care not to over process or you’ll wind up with nut butter – not bad, just different.
4. Take fruit and nut “dough” and press into pan – you’re looking for a thin layer.
5. Chill in the freezer for 4-6 hours. Then, cut into 1.5 x 4 inch bars or desired shape.
6. Keep bars wrapped in freezer. Eat straight from there.

 

Master Recipe: Use your favorite nuts and dried fruit – simply follow the recipe of 1 cup nuts, 1 cup dried fruit, 1 cup medjool dates, ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Add dried herbs or a touch of vanilla.

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