Let me start this post by saying these nut bars with pistachios and cranberries are simply lush. I know I probably say this about all my recipes, but these are truly delicious. I mean, why shouldn't they be, they are full of nuts, dried fruit and topped up with a raw chocolate sauce. The cranberries and pistachios add a bit of festive flavour, but if you dont have these swap them for anything else such as dried cherries and flakes of coconut, it works perfectly and is seriously good.
It's been exactly two days since my dearest family eat all of these nut bars, but my little Sofia is still checking the freezer to make sure she didn't miss one last piece. And you know what, I didn't mind at all, because these nut bars are little powerhouses and so much better than any shop bought granola bars. Take chia and flax seeds full of healthy fats and fiber as well as Omega 3s. Then you've got Sunflower seeds which boast magnesium, selenium and vitamin E.
Nut bars with pistachios and cranberries
The sweetness comes from the dried fruits which also act to bind it all together. There are also 2 tablespoons of date syrup in the chocolate sauce, but that is it when it comes to sugar. If you check any shop bought nut bars you will find golden syrup, corn syrup and honey in one bar, not mentioning the flavouring, colouring and additives.
Recipe
Nut Bars with Pistachios and Cranberries
Delicious nut bars with pistachios and cranberries recipe that needs 1 bowl, 1 processor, simple methods and 1 minute to devour.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pistachios
- ¼ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup dates, pitted and soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
- 2 tablespoon dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoon raisins
- Topping:
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoon date syrup
- 2 tablespoon raw cacao
- Handful of cranberries
- Handful of pistachios, crushed
Instructions
- Pop all the ingredients (except the ones for the topping) in to your food processor and combine
- The mixture should be nice, chunky and sticky. If not add a couple of tablespoons of water
- Get a freezer friendly, small square dish and press the mixture in it.
- Pop in the freezer for 10 minutes
- Meanwhile make the chocolate topping by melting all the ingredients.
- Take the mixture out of the freezer, pour the chocolate over it and sprinkle with cranberries and crushed pistachios.
- Pop in the fridge to set for an hour and once set take out , slice up and devour
These nut bars are perfect for serving at family gatherings (hint:Christmas) or even to make little homemade gifts. Add in some of my Chai granola and your loved ones will be totally spoiled.
If you make this, let me know. Leave a comment, or share with me on Instagram with hashtag #hedihearts , so I can see it or post me a photo on Facebook
Much love,
Hedi
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I just love pistachios! And the sweet chew of the cranberry is always perfect this time of year!
Kelly @ TastingPage
These look lush indeed. So many healthy flavors. Love it!
Hedi Hearts
Thank you Kelly! They are truly scrumptious! hedi xxx
Jenn
Ah, the infamous fruit and nut bars. 😉 They are beautiful. So many super nutritious ingredients in there...can't go wrong! The perfect breakfast or snack!
Hedi Hearts
Hahaha yes it is them Jennifer! Let's see if they take over the world. Hedi xxx
Sophia @veggies dont bite
I love love pistachios! They are so so good. And I love the variety of nuts in here! These sound delish and healthy!
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These bars look great. Such lovely flavours and textures. Perfect for pot lucks and family gatherings!
Kathy Hester
These are so pretty and will look perfect on my New Years Eve Buffet!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com
Yum! I love nuts with cranberries. Such a great combo 🙂
The Food Hunter
They sound amazing
Howie Fox
Woah!! These look massive 😀
I think they'd do pretty well for an after workout snack. I'm looking for these kinds of recipes for my 2016 gym comeback season (no, not a new year resolution at all, bahaha) xx
Gin
Ooh, chocolate and that little tang of cranberries - heavenly! I'd be with Sofia, hopefully checking the freezer to see if more will magically appear. 🙂
The Vegan 8
These look so good, chocolatey and fudgy! Love the pistachios!
Linda @ Veganosity
This reminds me of fruitcake. I love fruitcake! I can see why your family ate it up.
Louisa
I made these today for the first time! These are so scrummy! I had to stop myself eating the whole lot. I think I'll be doubling the mixture next time, these are not going to last long! How long are they ok out the freezer if I take them for a snack? Also any tips for getting them out the pot? Maybe I didn't leave them long enough but the bottom part got a bit stuck!