Easy Mixed Fruit & Nut Oat Bars Recipe – Healthy Snack Ideas

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Mixed Fruit & Nut Oat Bars Recipe – Healthy Snack Ideas

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, healthy snacks. Especially ones that don’t involve a ton of sugar or complicated ingredients. These mixed fruit & nut oat bars are my go-to! I first made these when my little one started school, and needed something wholesome to pack in her lunchbox. They’ve been a family favourite ever since. They’re so easy to whip up, and honestly, they disappear pretty quickly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These oat bars are seriously the best. They’re packed with goodness – think hearty oats, crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit, and a touch of honey to bind it all together. They’re perfect for a mid-morning energy boost, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthy treat when those sweet cravings hit. Plus, they’re super customisable, so you can easily adapt them to your own tastes. And let’s be real, anything homemade just tastes better, right?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious oat bars:

• 2 cups rolled oats (approximately 180g)
• ¾ cup mixed fruit and nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, sultanas, raisins, pumpkin seeds) (approximately 120g)
• 3 tbsp honey (approximately 45ml)
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted (approximately 45ml)
• ¼ tsp sea salt (approximately 1.5g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using good quality ingredients really makes a difference.

• Rolled Oats: I prefer rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) for their lovely chewy texture. They’re a fantastic source of fibre, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Quick-cooking oats will work in a pinch, but the bars won’t be quite as chewy.
• Mixed Fruit & Nuts: This is where you can get creative! I love the combination of almonds, walnuts, pecans, sultanas, raisins, and pumpkin seeds for a good mix of textures and flavours. Feel free to swap in your favourites – cranberries, apricots, macadamia nuts, or even sunflower seeds would be delicious. Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats and protein.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and helps bind the bars together. It also has a lovely aroma! You can substitute with melted butter if you prefer, but coconut oil keeps it a little lighter.
• Honey: Honey is my sweetener of choice, but it’s easily swapped (see variations below!). It adds a lovely natural sweetness and helps everything stick together.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper – this is essential for easy removal and cleanup!
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed fruit and nuts, honey, melted coconut oil, and sea salt.
3. Mix everything together really well, making sure the oats and fruit are evenly coated in the honey and coconut oil.
4. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking tray in an even layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing the mixture gently every 10 minutes to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them – you want them golden brown and slightly firm.
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the oat bars cool completely on the tray before breaking them into pieces. This is important, as they’ll be a bit crumbly when warm.
7. Store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way…

• Don’t skip the parchment paper! Seriously, it’s a lifesaver.
• Melting the coconut oil makes it easier to mix everything together.
• Tossing the bars during baking ensures they bake evenly and don’t stick together in one big clump.
• Letting them cool completely before breaking them apart prevents them from crumbling too much.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the honey for maple syrup! About the same amount (3 tbsp) works perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: These are naturally gluten-free, as long as your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, comforting flavour. My grandma always added a dash of cardamom!
• Festive Adaptation: During Diwali or Christmas, I love adding a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive touch. They make lovely homemade gifts!

Serving Suggestions

These oat bars are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with…

• A cup of chai or coffee
• A dollop of Greek yogurt
• A handful of fresh berries

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for longer, but they might become a little harder.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• How can I make these oat bars less sweet? Reduce the amount of honey to 2 tablespoons, or use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
• Can I use different types of dried fruit? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dried cranberries, apricots, cherries, or mangoes.
• What’s the best way to prevent the oat bars from sticking to the parchment paper? Make sure the parchment paper is fully covering the baking tray, and lightly grease it with a little coconut oil or cooking spray.
• Can these be made ahead of time? Yes! They actually taste even better after a day or two, as the flavours have had time to meld.
• Are these oat bars suitable for kids’ lunchboxes? Definitely! They’re a healthy and convenient snack that kids love. Just be mindful of any nut allergies.