Fruit And Oat Bars
Sweet and nutty fruit and oat bars combine wholesome oats, tasty fruit preserves, and crunchy nuts for a delightful snack suitable for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease an 11 x 7-inch glass baking dish.
- Combine all ingredients except preserves in a mixing bowl and mix well.
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the oats mixture.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Spread the fruit preserves evenly over the partially baked base, leaving a 1/2-inch edge.
- Sprinkle the reserved oats mixture over the preserves.
- Bake for an additional 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use almond or coconut flour instead of plain flour for a gluten-free version. If you're looking for extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture. To make them more nutritious, mix in some dried fruits or seeds along with the chopped nuts.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit and oat bars are delightful served warm with a dollop of yogurt on the side or paired with a cup of tea. For a fun twist, serve them with a spoonful of Spicy Cranberry Chutney for a sweet and spicy kick. They also make excellent snacks for lunchboxes or a quick breakfast on the go.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit and oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Oat Bars contains roughly 291 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these bars more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding ingredients like chia seeds or flaxseeds to the oats mixture. You can also incorporate shredded coconut or swap out some of the oats for a blend of whole grains. Additionally, using a natural sweetener like maple syrup can provide a healthier alternative to brown sugar.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).