No Sugar Bars
A delightful no-sugar fruit bar with rich flavors of dates, raisins, and prunes, complemented by nuts and optional spices, perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil dates, raisins, and prunes in water for 5 minutes.
- Add butter or oleo to the fruit mixture; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix eggs, soda, vanilla, salt, flour, and chopped nuts.
- Add the cooked fruit mixture to the batter and combine well.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased 7 x 11-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor profile, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds to the batter for added texture and nutrition. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the white flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the dates, raisins, and prunes are soft for easier blending into the mixture. This recipe can also be enhanced by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
Serving Suggestions
These no sugar bars make a great snack on their own or can be paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a balanced meal, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt. They also pair beautifully with David'S Favorite Cookies for a sweet treat platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to two weeks. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Sugar Bars contains roughly 203 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 721mg per serving (31% 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 other dried fruits instead of dates, raisins, and prunes?
Yes, you can substitute other dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or cranberries. Just ensure to adjust the water amount if the fruits are particularly dry or moist. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor of your bars to your preference.
What if I don’t have eggs? Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). This will help bind the ingredients while keeping your bars vegan-friendly.
How can I make these bars more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding ingredients like chia seeds, hemp seeds, or protein powder to the batter. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for added fiber. These modifications will make your bars a healthier snacking option.
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).