Maple Pecan Energy Sweet Treat (Printable Version)
Chewy maple pecan bars with nuts and dried fruit. Perfect wholesome snack ready in 25 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Nuts & Seeds
01 - 1 cup raw pecan halves
02 - 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
→ Dried Fruits
04 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries, chopped
05 - 1/2 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
→ Binding & Flavor
06 - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
07 - 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
08 - 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of fine sea salt
→ Optional Add-Ins
10 - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
02 - Spread the pecans and almonds on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly, then roughly chop the pecans.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine pecans, almonds, coconut, cranberries, dates, and chocolate chips (if using).
04 - In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla, and sea salt just until smooth and warm (do not boil).
05 - Pour the warm syrup mixture over the nut and fruit mixture. Mix thoroughly with a spatula until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
06 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using another piece of parchment or the back of a measuring cup.
07 - Bake for 10 minutes, just until the top is set and slightly golden.
08 - Allow to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before lifting out and slicing into 12 bars.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The maple syrup creates a caramel like binding that actually holds everything together without being too sweet
- These bars keep me satisfied for hours unlike store bought versions that disappear from my stomach in minutes
02 -
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is what prevents the bars from crumbling apart later
- The cooling time in the refrigerator is not optional because warm bars will not slice cleanly
03 -
- Use the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture into the pan for even compression
- Line your pan with parchment in both directions for easy lifting later