Sugar-Free Fruit Bars
Sweet, wholesome fruit bars with a hint of spice, perfect for diabetics and health-conscious eaters, combining dates, nuts, and warm spices for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil together dates, raisins, prunes, and 1 cup of water until soft.
- Add margarine and vanilla to the cooked fruit mixture and let cool.
- Beat the eggs until well combined.
- Add the cooled fruit mixture to the beaten eggs.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, allspice, and cinnamon.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the fruit and egg mixture.
- Stir in nuts (preferably walnuts).
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the fruit mixture. If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute sunflower seeds for the walnuts. To boost fiber, try adding a tablespoon of chia seeds. Remember to watch the baking time closely, as ovens can vary. This recipe is also suitable for vegetarian diets.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit bars make for a delightful snack or breakfast option. Serve them alongside a cup of yogurt or a smoothie for a nutritious start to your day. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. You can also cut them into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat at your next gathering. For more sweet ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sugar-free fruit bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar-Free Fruit Bars contains roughly 200 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1026mg per serving (45% 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 different types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or cranberries. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and moisture content may vary, which could slightly affect the final texture of the bars.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds combined with 3 tablespoons of water to replace each egg. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like before adding it to your fruit mixture.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To add a chocolatey flavor, consider folding in some unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry ingredients. Alternatively, you can mix in sugar-free chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars for an indulgent touch.
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).