No-Bake Chocolate Nut & Fruit Bars

🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Nut & Fruit Bars

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups mixed nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews), roughly chopped

• ¾ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)

• 1 cup crushed biscuits or oats

• ½ cup honey or maple syrup

• ½ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)

• 1 cup dark or milk chocolate (melted)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients
   In a bowl, combine nuts, dried fruit, and crushed biscuits/oats.

2. Heat wet ingredients
   In a saucepan on low heat, warm honey and peanut butter until smooth.

3. Combine
   Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Add vanilla and salt. Mix well.

4. Press into pan
   Line a square pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer.

5. Add chocolate layer
   Pour melted chocolate over the top and spread evenly.

6. Chill
   Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.

7. Cut & serve
   Slice into bars or squares.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate.

Q: How long do they last?
Up to 1 week in the fridge, or 1–2 months in the freezer.

Q: Can I skip peanut butter?
Absolutely. Substitute with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even coconut cream.

Q: Why are my bars falling apart?
They may need:

• More binding (add extra honey or nut butter)

• Firmer pressing into the pan

• More chilling time

Q: Can I make them healthier?
Yes:

• Use oats instead of biscuits

• Choose dark chocolate (70%+)

• Reduce sweetener slightly

Q: Can I add protein?
You can mix in protein powder (about 2–3 tbsp), but you may need extra liquid to balance it.