Pin A festive, crunchy snack bar featuring a medley of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and white chocolate—perfect for cozy winter days or holiday gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, especially loved by kids who enjoy the sweet and crunchy combination.
Ingredients
- Nuts & Seeds: 1 cup unsalted roasted almonds, 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- Dried Fruits: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped, 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- Grains & Crunch: 1 1/4 cups rolled oats, 1 cup crisp rice cereal
- Bind & Sweeten: 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/3 cup creamy almond butter, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Topping: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 2 tbsp festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine almonds pistachios pumpkin seeds dried cranberries apricots blueberries oats and rice cereal. Set aside.
- Make Wet Mixture:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine honey (or maple syrup) almond butter unsalted butter cinnamon salt and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until melted and smooth (about 23 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Combine:
- Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Press Into Pan:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles on top. Gently press them into the surface.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Serve:
- Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Pin This snack bar always brings smiles at family gatherings, perfect for sharing around the holiday table.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, small saucepan, spatula or wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almonds pistachios) seeds and dairy (butter white chocolate chips). For nut-free use seed butter and omit nuts replacing with extra seeds or cereal. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens or cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 4 g
Pin Enjoy these delicious bars as a perfect winter snack or a festive treat to share.
Recipe FAQ
- → What nuts and seeds are included?
Roasted almonds, shelled pistachios, and pumpkin seeds provide a crunchy nutty base.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for allergies?
Yes, almond butter can be replaced with sunflower seed butter and nuts omitted for a nut-free option.
- → How is the mixture bound together?
A warm blend of honey, almond butter, unsalted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract acts as the binding agent.
- → What toppings enhance the bars?
White chocolate chips and festive sprinkles add sweetness and visual appeal.
- → What is the chilling time before serving?
Chill the mixture for at least one hour to allow the bars to firm up before slicing.