Prune Bars
Prune bars are chewy, wholesome snacks with sweet dried fruit flavors, perfect for a nutritious on-the-go treat or a satisfying dessert for fruit lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar, vegetable oil, and apple juice concentrate in a bowl.
- Separately, combine whole wheat flour, oat bran cereal, oatmeal, diced prunes, and raisins.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until crumbly.
- Pour the mixture into a 9-inch baking pan sprayed with Pam.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes or until resilient to the touch.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can replace vegetable oil with applesauce or coconut oil. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also substitute the prunes with dried apricots or figs if desired. Don't overmix the batter, as it should remain crumbly for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These prune bars make a delightful snack on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings. For a complete meal, enjoy them alongside a light salad like Texas Slaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover prune bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, ensuring they remain moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prune Bars contains roughly 397 calories, with 7g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 gluten-free flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of whole wheat flour. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or similar to help with texture. The baking time may remain the same, but keep an eye on the bars to ensure they bake properly.
How can I make these bars less sweet?
If you're looking to reduce the sweetness, consider cutting the brown sugar by half and adding more apple juice concentrate for moisture and flavor. You can also omit the raisins or use unsweetened dried fruit to balance the sweetness.
Can I freeze these prune bars?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked and cooled prune bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
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).