Wholesome Nut Bar Recipe: A Snack Your Kids Will Love

Hey there, super-parents! Are you on the lookout for that perfect snack that’s not only packed with nutrients but also loved by your little munchkins? You’re in the right place! I’m going to share with you an easy homemade nut bar recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious — and yes, absolutely kid-approved!

Picture this: chewy, crunchy bars loaded with the goodness of nuts and a hint of sweetness that makes your taste buds dance. Sounds delightful, doesn’t it? Plus, these bars are a breeze to make and are fantastic on-the-go snacks for those hectic days. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Benefits of Nuts for Children

Before we get our hands messy in the kitchen, let’s chat about why nuts are a fantastic choice for your family. Nuts are mini powerhouses of essential fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating almonds, cashews, pecans, and other nuts into your children’s diet can:

• Boost energy levels
• Support brain development
• Promote a healthy heart
• Encourage better concentration at school

Trust me, these nut bars will be a hit at your home. Not only are they super tasty, but they’ll also give your kids sustained energy — which is just what they need for all their adventures.

Quick and Easy Nut Bar Recipe: Your Go-To Snack

Grab your aprons and let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need for your homemade nut bar magic:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan alternative)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)

Equipment:

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions to Nut Bar Bliss

These instructions are laid out in an easy-to-follow manner because I know your time is precious. Ready to make some nut bar goodness?

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This ensures that your oven is ready to go when your nut bar mixture is all prepped.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Take all your nuts and seeds and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they’re lightly toasted. This step helps to release the oils in the nuts and seeds, deepening their flavors.

Once toasted, let them cool slightly and then transfer them to your food processor. Pulse a few times to chop them into smaller pieces — but be cautious; we’re not aiming for nut butter here!

Step 3: Warm Up the Sweetness

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine your honey or maple syrup with the coconut oil, vanilla extract, sea salt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re using it. Warm the mixture until everything is well combined and ooey-gooey.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Now, pour the warm, sticky mixture over your chopped nuts and seeds in a large mixing bowl. If you’d like to add chocolate chips or dried fruit, wait until the mixture has cooled slightly before stirring them in to avoid melting the chocolate.

Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are well coated. Feel the excitement? We’re almost there!

This is only the beginning of our nut bar adventure, and there’s more to come! Stick around and soon you’ll be fully equipped with all the know-how to whip up these amazing snacks anytime. Remember, making healthy choices for your family can be both fun and delicious — and these nut bars are proof of that!

Grab your parchment-lined baking sheet again and spread your nut mixture onto it, pressing down firmly to form a level layer. This is where you give those bars their shape, so press away to your heart’s content!

Next, you’re going to want to bake these beauties until they’re golden and firm, but not to worry, I’ll get into the nitty-gritty of that in the next section of our guide. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Cool your bars completely.

Image Credit

See more great Things to Do with Kids in New Zealand here. For more information see here

Disclaimer
The articles available via our website provide general information only and we strongly urge readers to exercise caution and conduct their own thorough research and fact-checking. The information presented should not be taken as absolute truth, and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, we will not be held liable for any inaccuracies or errors in the content. It is essential for individuals to independently verify and validate the information before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the articles.