Nut Bar
The ultimate snack for nut lovers, these Nut Bars combine wholesome ingredients into a delicious treat. Packed with crunchy nuts and a sweet syrup, they're perfect for any occasion. Make them tonight and enjoy a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought snacks!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Saucepan
- Large Pot
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cups whole raw almonds
- 1 cup chopped raw pecans
- 1 cup chopped raw walnuts
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup Wholesome!™ Organic Coconut Palm Sugar
- 1/3 cup Wholesome!™ Organic Blue Agave
- 1 tablespoon organic vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 ounces organic 80% dark chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This is an important step as it will help you lift the bars out easily once they’re baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole raw cashews, whole raw almonds, chopped raw pecans, chopped raw walnuts, and raw pumpkin seeds. Stir them well to mix, creating a wonderful medley of textures and flavors.
- In a large sauce pot, pour in the Wholesome!™ Organic Coconut Palm Sugar, Wholesome!™ Organic Blue Agave, organic vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir it gently to help dissolve the sugar completely.
- Once the sugar has melted and the edges start to bubble, remove the pot from the heat. This is a critical moment; you want to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn.
- Carefully pour the mixed nuts into the hot syrup. Using a wooden spoon, quickly mix the nuts into the syrup until they are fully coated. This process ensures every nut is packed with flavor.
- Next, pour the nut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a piece of wax paper, press the mixture firmly together to compact it. This helps the bars hold their shape once they’re baked.
- Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven. Bake the Nut Bars for approximately 20 minutes, watching closely until the tops turn golden and fragrant. The golden color indicates they're ready!
- After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 45 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows them to firm up before cutting.
- Once cooled, lift the pan out using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut the mixture into 24 bars. Spacing them apart helps them cool completely and makes it easier to enjoy later.
- If you choose to add dark chocolate, break a 4-ounce bar into pieces and melt it using a double boiler. Once melted, pour the chocolate into a plastic bag. Snip a tiny corner and pipe the chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent finish.
- Allow the chocolate to dry, then store the Nut Bars in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to a month. Trust me, they won't last long!
Notes
Buying nuts can be expensive – Buy them in bulk if possible. And remember, this recipe make 24 bars. Compare that to the $2-3 a piece for store-bought nut bars and the recipe ingredients are a bargain!
If you don’t like a particular nut, feel free to make substitutions. Just be sure to have 3 cups whole nuts and 3 cups of small nut pieces, so they hold together well.
Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for 1 week, or in the fridge for up to a month.
For easy lunchbox treats, wrap them individually and keep them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. That way, they’ll keep a long time and cool the rest of the lunchbox items as they thaw.