Harvest Fruit Bars

Harvest Fruit Bars Recipe - Delicious and Healthy Snack

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Harvest Fruit Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat that is perfect for snacking or dessert. Packed with dried fruit, banana, and nuts, these bars are bursting with flavor and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

The recipe for Harvest Fruit Bars has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it their own. Originally created as a way to use up leftover fruit and nuts, these bars have become a popular choice for those looking for a healthy and tasty snack.

Ingredients

1 (6 oz (170 g)) package of diced dried mixed fruit bits
1 cup of chopped banana (about 2 medium)
0.67 cup of orange juice
1.5 tsp of apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided
1.75 cup of whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
1.5 cup of oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
0.5 lb (227 g) (2 sticks) of margarine or butter, softened
1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
0.5 cup of chopped nuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the dried fruit, banana, orange juice, and 1 tsp of apple pie spice; set aside.
In another medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, and remaining 0.5 tsp of apple pie spice; mix well.
In a large bowl, beat the margarine and sugar together with an electric mixer until creamy.
Add the oat mixture to the large bowl and beat until crumbly.
Set aside 0.75 cup of the mixture for the topping.
Press the remaining oat mixture onto the bottom of a 13 x 9 inches baking pan.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
Spread the fruit evenly over the crust, leaving a 0.25 inch border.
Add the nuts to the reserved oat mixture and mix well.
Sprinkle the oat and nut mixture evenly over the fruit and lightly pat it down.
Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely, then cut into bars.
Store the bars loosely covered.

Variations

Swap out the dried fruit for your favorite variety.
Add chocolate chips or coconut for an extra burst of flavor.
Use different nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to press the oat mixture firmly into the baking pan to create a solid base for the bars.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.

- Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Harvest Fruit Bars as a mid-morning snack or as a dessert after dinner. They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature before baking the bars.

- Use an electric mixer to ensure the oat mixture is well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Harvest Fruit Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Harvest Fruit Bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Harvest Fruit Bars with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Harvest Fruit Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Harvest Fruit Bars contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Harvest Fruit Bars contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Harvest Fruit Bars contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Harvest Fruit Bars contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Harvest Fruit Bars are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

Harvest Fruit Bars contain nuts and may also contain traces of gluten.

Summary

Harvest Fruit Bars are a nutritious snack option that is high in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Harvest Fruit Bars are a tasty and nutritious snack that is perfect for any time of day. Packed with dried fruit, banana, and nuts, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them on their own or with a cup of tea for a delicious treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a cool autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air was filled with the scent of ripe apples and pears. I had just finished picking a basket full of fresh fruits from the orchard and was in search of a new recipe to showcase their flavors.

As I rummaged through my collection of cookbooks, I stumbled upon an old, worn-out recipe card tucked away in the pages of an equally worn-out cookbook. The card was stained and faded, clearly well-loved and well-used. It was titled "Harvest Fruit Bars" and looked like it had been written decades ago.

Intrigued, I scanned the ingredients list and instructions. The recipe called for a mix of apples, pears, and cranberries, along with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The fruit filling was to be sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crust and topped with a crumbly streusel. It sounded like the perfect way to highlight the flavors of the season.

Excited to try something new, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work. As I peeled and chopped the apples and pears, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of fruit and spices. The scent brought back memories of autumn days spent baking with my own grandmother, and I felt a warm sense of nostalgia wash over me.

As the fruit simmered on the stove, releasing its juices and mingling with the spices, I couldn't help but sneak a taste. The flavors were robust and comforting, a perfect balance of sweet and tart. I knew then that this recipe was a winner.

The next step was to prepare the oat crust and streusel. I mixed together flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter until it formed a crumbly dough. The scent of butter and sugar filled the air, and I felt a sense of contentment as I worked the dough with my hands, forming it into a smooth, cohesive mass.

After assembling the bars and popping them into the oven, I eagerly awaited the finished product. The bars emerged from the oven golden brown and bubbling with fruit filling. I couldn't wait to dig in.

When I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood. The flavors were rich and comforting, a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. The buttery oat crust provided the perfect contrast to the juicy fruit filling, and the streusel added a delightful crunch.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my collection. It was the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season and showcase the bounty of fresh fruits from the orchard. Since that day, I have made these Harvest Fruit Bars countless times, sharing them with family and friends who have all raved about their deliciousness.

As I sit here now, writing down this recipe for future generations to enjoy, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. Cooking and baking have always been a way for me to connect with my past, and this recipe is no exception. It embodies the spirit of autumn and the joy of creating something delicious from simple, wholesome ingredients.

I hope that whoever reads this recipe will feel inspired to give it a try and create their own cherished memories in the kitchen. After all, food has a unique way of bringing people together and creating lasting bonds. And what better way to do that than with a batch of homemade Harvest Fruit Bars?