Best Almond Fruit Bars Recipes

ALMOND FRUIT BARS

Almond Fruit Bars image

Crumbly, buttery almond bars are the perfect treat for snacks or school lunches. Layer in any variety of jam that you like. We used cherry.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes

Time 45m

Yield Makes 16 to 18

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup fruit jam, such as cherry, plum, or raspberry

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars on high speed until light and fluffy; beat in egg yolk. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in flour mixture. Stir in almonds.
In a small bowl, whisk jam to loosen. (Stirring the jam with a fork or a whisk will enable it to spread smoothly over the dough.) Gently press half of dough into bottom of prepared dish. With the back of a spoon, gently spread jam over dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border so the jam doesn't stick to the sides of the pan. Sprinkle remaining dough over top all the way to the edges; press gently to form top layer.
Bake until top is golden, 25 to 30 minutes; cool completely in dish. Cut into bars with a serrated knife.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179 g, Fat 8 g, Protein 2 g

PASSION FRUIT CARAMEL GOLD COINS, CHOCOLATE COVERED CARAMEL ALMOND MAGIC BEANS, AND CINNAMON CARAMEL MACADAMIA CHOCOLATE BARS

Passion Fruit Caramel Gold Coins, Chocolate Covered Caramel Almond Magic Beans, and Cinnamon Caramel Macadamia Chocolate Bars image

Provided by Food Network

Categories dessert

Time 8h

Yield about 36 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 31

Ingredients

1 pound sugar
12 ounces light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 cup passion puree
6 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
1 teaspoon salt
Nonstick spray
1 pound dark chocolate
2 3/4 ounces sugar
1 ounce water
8 ounces whole almonds, skin on, toasted
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 ounce unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
3 ounces dark chocolate, melted
3 tablespoons non-alkalized cocoa powder, or powdered sugar
1/2 cup cream
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons glucose
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/8 teaspoon fleur de sel
5 1/3 ounces chopped milk chocolate
1 1/4 ounce chopped dark chocolate
1 pound dark chocolate
8 ounces light corn syrup
1 pound 4 ounces sugar
3 cups cream
12 ounces milk chocolate
8 ounces honey
1 pound 2 ounces macadamia nuts, toasted and finely chopped

Steps:

In a small saucepan, cook the sugar, corn syrup and water to a dark amber caramel. Add the passion fruit puree, butter, vanilla seeds and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil and cook to 235 degrees F while stirring the entire time. Stir in the salt. Spray parchment paper with nonstick and put on a sheet pan. Set the metal caramel frames to 8 by 12 inches on top. Pour the caramel inside the frame and place in the freezer until frozen.
Once the passion fruit caramel is frozen, cut out about 36 disks with 1 1/2-inch round cutters. Store the caramel in the freezer. Melt the dark chocolate. Dip the frozen passion fruit caramel disks into the chocolate and let set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the sugar and the water to soft ball stage, 240 degrees F. Add the almonds and keep stirring until caramelized to a dark amber color. Add the salt and butter. Spread onto greased sheet pans and let cool 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the temperature of the room. After they have cooled, put in the refrigerator about 1 hour.
Transfer the almonds into a stainless steel bowl and coat the almonds with the melted chocolate while stirring constantly. When set, sift the cocoa powder or powder sugar over the almonds.
In a small saucepan, bring the cream, cinnamon, and glucose to a boil. Place the butter, salt, and both chocolates in a small bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let stand for 10 seconds. Whisk to combine. Let stand at room temperature until the edges of the ganache start to crystallize.
Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate to 186.8 degrees F. Pour into the chocolate bar molds to coat, then pour back out. Tap all of the excess chocolate out, then invert onto parchment paper until the chocolate hardens completely. Pipe the ganache half way into the chocolate shell.
In a small saucepan, caramelize the corn syrup and sugar to a dark amber. Place the cream in a small microwave-proof container and heat in the microwave until hot to the touch. Carefully add the caramel to the hot cream. Bring the mixture back to a boil. Place the chocolate and honey in a medium bowl. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate. Let stand for 10 seconds and whisk to combine. Fold in the macadamia nuts. Let stand at room temperature until the edges of the ganache start to crystallize. Spoon the caramel on top of the cinnamon chocolate ganache and top with the rest of the tempered chocolate. Let it set up in the refrigerator, about 1 hour. Tap the bars out of the mold.

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What Are Almond Fruit Bars?

Almond fruit bars are nutritious and delicious snacks made from a combination of nuts, dried fruits, and other wholesome ingredients. These bars not only provide a burst of energy but also nourish the body with essential nutrients, such as fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Why Are Almond Fruit Bars Popular?

Almond fruit bars have gained popularity among consumers for their convenience and nutritional benefits. These bars make for an excellent snack option as they can be easily carried around and eaten on-the-go. They are also great for pre or post-workout snack because of the high protein content that helps in muscle recovery.

What Are the Ingredients Used in Almond Fruit Bars?

The ingredients used in an almond fruit bar recipe can vary depending on the recipe. However, some common ingredients include:

Almonds, cashews or any other nuts
Dates or other dried fruits, which are used for sweetness and stickiness
Seeds, such as chia or flax, for added nutrition
Oats, used as a binding agent
Peanut butter or almond butter, which helps in binding and adds flavor
Honey or maple syrup as sweeteners
Spices and flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or ginger, which add to the taste.

What Are the Benefits of Almond Fruit Bars?

Almond fruit bars pack a punch in terms of nutrition. They are typically high in fiber and protein and can help keep you full for longer periods of time. Apart from this, some other benefits include:

They are easy to carry around, making them a perfect snack for when you're on-the-go.
They contain a range of vitamins and minerals that help support the body's overall health.
They are a great source of energy, which makes them ideal for pre or post-workout snacks.
They are a healthier alternative to commercially available snacks that are often high in fats, sugar, and preservatives.

How to Make Almond Fruit Bars?

While the using of specific ingredients can differ from recipe to recipe, the overall process of making almond fruit bars is typically the same:

Firstly, the nuts, dried fruit, and other ingredients are combined in a food processor, and then pulsed until they are broken down into granules.
The mixture is then transferred to a mixing bowl, where peanut butter or any other binding agent is added to the mix.
All the ingredients are mixed well to form a dough-like texture, which is then spread into a lined baking pan and allowed to chill and set in the fridge.
Once set, they can be cut into bars or squares, and then individually wrapped for easy portability.

Conclusion:

Almond fruit bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that is easy to make at home. These bars contain a variety of wholesome ingredients that provide essential nutrients, have a good amount of protein, fiber, and vitamins that are required for the body. Almond fruit bars are convenient, portable, and healthy, making them a popular choice among people of all ages who want a healthy snack option.

Almond fruit bars or almond granola bars are a healthy and delicious snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, including nuts, dried fruits, oats, and honey, making them a versatile snack option. In this article, we will provide some valuable tips when making almond fruit bars to ensure that they turn out perfectly every time.

Tip 1: Use High-Quality Ingredients

The first and most critical tip when making almond fruit bars is to use high-quality ingredients. Choose unsalted raw almonds, high-quality honey, and fresh dried fruit. Using fresh ingredients will make a significant difference in the final taste of the bars. High-quality ingredients will help to ensure that the bars are flavorful, nutritious, and wholesome.

Tip 2: Use a Food Processor

Using a food processor is an important tip when making almond fruit bars. A food processor makes it easy to mix the ingredients, chop the nuts and dried fruit, and create a smooth and cohesive mixture. It also helps to create a consistent texture throughout the bars. If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make the bars, but it will take more time and effort to mix and chop the ingredients by hand.

Tip 3: Add a Binding Agent

Adding a binding agent is another vital tip when making almond fruit bars. The binding agent helps to hold the ingredients together and gives the bars their shape. Common binding agents used in granola bars are honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or agave nectar. These natural sweeteners have a low glycemic index, which means they won't cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Honey is a great choice because it adds natural sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients. It also has antimicrobial properties that help to preserve the bars.

Tip 4: Don't Use Too Much Sweetener

When making almond fruit bars, it’s important not to use too much sweetener. While sweeteners like honey and maple syrup are natural and healthy, they still contain calories and sugar. Using too much sweetener can make the bars more calorie-dense and may cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. It is recommended to use a tablespoon or two of sweetener per batch, depending on how sweet you want the bars to be.

Tip 5: Add Flavor with Spices

Adding flavor with spices is another valuable tip when making almond fruit bars. Spices can add depth and complexity to the bars and can help to enhance the natural sweetness of the dried fruit. Common spices used in granola bars are cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These spices are not only delicious but also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to boost your immune system.

Tip 6: Use Parchment Paper to Line the Pan

Using parchment paper to line the pan is an important tip when making almond fruit bars. Parchment paper prevents the bars from sticking to the bottom of the pan and makes them easier to remove. It also helps to create a smooth and even surface, which makes it easier to cut the bars into uniform sizes. Additionally, parchment paper helps with cleaning the baking pan as there are no stubborn leftover residues.

Tip 7: Press the Bars Firmly

Pressing the bars firmly into the pan is another critical tip when making almond fruit bars. Pressing the bars helps to ensure that they are compact and cohesive, preventing them from falling apart. You can use a flat-bottomed bowl or glass to press the bars down evenly to create a uniform surface. By pressing the bars firmly into the pan, you will set the stage for easy slicing and presentations later.

Tip 8: Chill the Bars Before Slicing

Chilling the bars before slicing is another important tip when making almond fruit bars. Chilling allows the bars to set and firm up, making them easier to cut into uniform squares or rectangles. It also helps to produce cleaner cuts, preventing them from crumbling during the process. Put the pan in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes or until the bars have hardened enough to slice.

Tip 9: Cut the Bars into Uniform Sizes

Cutting the bars into uniform sizes is another essential tip when making almond fruit bars. Uniform sizes help to create an even distribution of ingredients and a cleaner and more professional-looking presentation. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to make straight and clean cuts. You can cut the bars into rectangles, squares, or any desired shape.

Tip 10: Store the Bars Properly

Storing the bars properly is an important tip when making almond fruit bars. After cutting, wrap the bars individually with parchment paper or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Stored properly, the bars can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator or up to a month in the freezer while keeping their flavor and texture intact.

Conclusion

Almond fruit bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed anytime. By using high-quality ingredients, a food processor, and the right amount of sweeteners and spices, you can create a healthy and flavorful snack that the whole family will love. Remember to press the bars firmly into the pan and chill them before slicing to create clean cuts and store them properly to ensure they remain fresh and tasty. With these valuable tips, you are sure to get perfect almond fruit bars every time!