Harvest Fruit Bars
Harvest Fruit Bars offer a delightful combination of dried mixed fruits, bananas, and warm spices, baked into a hearty, wholesome treat. Perfect for snacking or dessert, they appeal to those who enjoy fruity, spiced baked goods with a chewy texture and satisfying crunch on top.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the dried mixed fruit, chopped bananas, orange juice, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl; set aside, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, beat together margarine and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add flour, oats, and 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice; mix until crumbly.
- Save 3/4 cup of the mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, soak the dried mixed fruit in warm water for 10-15 minutes before mixing it in. If you don't have apple pie spice, ground cinnamon works well as a substitute. You can also swap the margarine for coconut oil to make this a vegan recipe. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar if the fruit is particularly sweet.
Serving Suggestions
These Harvest Fruit Bars can be enjoyed as a breakfast option or an afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or serve alongside Easy Cherry Cobbler for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until slightly warm. This ensures they stay soft and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvest Fruit Bars contains roughly 461 calories, with 2g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (13% 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
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
While fresh fruit can be used, it may alter the texture and moisture of the bars. Dried fruit adds sweetness and chewiness without extra liquid. If using fresh, consider reducing the amount of orange juice to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
What can I substitute for oatmeal?
If you don't have oatmeal, you can use quick oats or even crushed nuts for a gluten-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture will change slightly. Using almond flour can also work, but it may lead to a denser bar.
How can I make these bars healthier?
To make these bars healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of regular flour, and reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also add seeds like chia or flaxseed for added nutrition. For a vegan twist, use a plant-based butter alternative.
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).