There is something truly special about these Healthy Raw Cranberry Nut Bars Recipe that makes them an irresistible snack. Packed with natural sweetness from medjool dates and tart bursts of dried cranberries, combined with crunchy roasted almonds and cashews, every bite delivers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them the perfect wholesome treat to keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing snack, a post-workout boost, or a healthy dessert, these bars have you covered in the most satisfying way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the chewy dates that lend natural sweetness to the crunchy nuts that provide a satisfying bite, every component complements one another beautifully.
- 150g medjool dates (pitted): These naturally sweet and sticky fruits act as the perfect binder and add deep caramel notes.
- 75g dried cranberries: Their tangy and slightly tart flavor offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
- 75g roasted almonds: These add a lovely crunch and nutty richness to the bars.
- 75g roasted cashews: Cashews contribute a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that balances the mixture.
- 50g desiccated coconut: Adds a dusting of mild tropical flavor and enhances texture.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted): Helps bind the ingredients while adding a delicate, fragrant richness.
- Pinch of sea salt: Elevates all the flavors and cuts through sweetness gently.
How to Make Healthy Raw Cranberry Nut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Tin
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking tin with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bars come out cleanly without sticking, making your life easier when it’s time to cut and enjoy.
Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients
Place the medjool dates, dried cranberries, roasted almonds, roasted cashews, and desiccated coconut into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until everything is finely chopped and well combined. You want it to reach a crumbly texture but still hold some small chunks for a nice bite.
Step 3: Add the Binding Ingredients
Pour in the melted coconut oil and add a pinch of sea salt. Pulse a few more times until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive. When you press a small amount between your fingers, it should hold together without crumbling, indicating it’s just right to form bars.
Step 4: Press into the Tin
Transfer your sticky mixture into the prepared baking tin. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly and evenly, compacting it as much as possible. This helps the bars hold their shape beautifully once set.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Place the tin in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the bars to firm up, making them easier to slice and handle later on.
Step 6: Cut and Store
Once the bars are completely set and firm, remove them from the tin using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into 12 equal bars and store in an airtight container. They keep wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, ready whenever you need a nourishing snack.
How to Serve Healthy Raw Cranberry Nut Bars Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate these bars with simple garnishes like a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of chia seeds on top before chilling. These little touches don’t just add visual appeal but also introduce extra layers of flavor and nutrition.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt for a balanced snack or light breakfast. Their natural sweetness and crunch beautifully complement soft, juicy fruits and smooth, tangy dairy or non-dairy yogurts.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or as a thoughtful gift, wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie them with a rustic twine. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on a decorative platter with small bowls of nuts and dried fruits for a fun, interactive snack board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These raw cranberry nut bars hold up well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their firm texture and keeps the nuts fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap bars individually or store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour or so.
Reheating
Since these bars are enjoyed raw and chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a softer texture, leave them at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap almonds or cashews for walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just keep the total nut quantity the same for optimal texture.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, this Healthy Raw Cranberry Nut Bars Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and moist, which can affect the texture and sweetness balance. Dried cranberries work best here for their concentrated flavor and chewiness.
How long do these bars last?
If stored properly in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to one week. Frozen bars can last for several months, perfect for batch-prepping snacks.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! All ingredients used are plant-based, making this recipe perfect for anyone following a vegan lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Making these Healthy Raw Cranberry Nut Bars Recipe is such a rewarding experience, especially knowing you’re crafting a snack packed with wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors. They’re perfect for anyone looking to nourish their body while enjoying a treat that never feels like a compromise. I can’t wait for you to try them and add this simple yet delicious recipe to your favorites for quick energy boosts and guilt-free snacking!
Print
Healthy Raw Cranberry Nut Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irresistibly Healthy Raw Cranberry Nut Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack made from medjool dates, dried cranberries, roasted almonds, cashews, and coconut oil. Easily prepared without baking, they are perfect for a wholesome energy boost or on-the-go treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 150g medjool dates (pitted)
- 75g dried cranberries
- 75g roasted almonds
- 75g roasted cashews
- 50g desiccated coconut
Binding Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Prep the Tin: Line an 8×8 inch baking tin with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once set.
- Blend the Base Ingredients: In a food processor, combine medjool dates, dried cranberries, roasted almonds, roasted cashews, and desiccated coconut. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined but not pureed.
- Add the Binding Ingredients: Add the melted coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt to the food processor. Pulse again until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed between your fingers.
- Press into the Tin: Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared baking tin. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and evenly, compacting the mixture so the bars hold their shape.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the tin for at least 2 hours, allowing the mixture to firm up and set into solid bars.
- Cut and Store: Once firm, remove from the tin and slice into 12 bars. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure medjool dates are soft for easy blending; soak in warm water if too dry.
- You can swap roasted nuts for raw if preferred, but roasting adds flavor.
- Store bars in the freezer for longer shelf life; thaw before eating for better texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor variations.
- Use parchment paper generously to prevent sticking and for easy bar removal.
