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Bulk Bin Snack Bars

September 5, 2014
15 Reviews

Test Kitchen-Approved

Author Notes:

Visit your local bulk bin aisle and stock up to make these bars. Sub in different dried fruits, nuts, and seeds according to your tastes.

—Kendra Vaculin

Makes: 20 bars
Prep time: 8 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups oats
  • 3/4 cup whole almonds
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup pepitas
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup flaxs seed
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
In This Recipe

Directions

  1. Line a 13 x 9 baking dish with wax paper so that it extends over two sides.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey, almond butter, and apple sauce. Heat for 30 seconds to loosen, then stir to combine.
  3. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Pour the honey mixture over the top; season with a pinch of salt and stir to thoroughly coat.
  4. Dump the sticky mess into the prepared baking dish; flatten into an even layer with the back of a wooden spoon until. Freeze overnight to firm up. I know. The anticipation. Stop peeking at it.
  5. Remove from freezer and cut into equal-sized bars. These are best stored in the fridge in a sealed container, with layers separated by wax paper.

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Reviews (15) Questions (1)

15 Reviews

Kate October 17, 2016
I've made these twice and make slight ingredient swaps. Chia seeds for flax or peanut butter for almond. Dates instead of cranberries and added cocoa nibs. Loved them both times. I prefer kept in freezer. Good out of freezer for a bit but as it says they need to be kept cold. Love the simplicity of these healthy bars.
 
LaMar July 25, 2016
Just wanted to add to the comments as there seem to be many for whom these just didn't work, but I just tried it (cut recipe in half and used a 9x5 loaf pan) and they were fantastic straight from the freezer, and so far, from the fridge as well. I could see how they might get 'less firm' if they are kept out for long, but I feel this is a keeper recipe even if they need to stay cool. Not at all a gloppy mess. Maybe others did not pack the 'dough' down very well?
 
Susan C. September 17, 2015
These were not at all like the picture. The photo looks like the bars were baked with parchment paper. Just a very expensive gloppy mess. Wish I had read comments first. SC
 
LBE February 7, 2015
These are great as long as they are frozen. Otherwise they just don't work for lunches or snacks.
 
Tracy K. January 12, 2015
what is calorie count for these?
 
jennifer G. January 4, 2015
super tasty. added chia seeds since I did not have sunflower seeds. I have them in the freezer but not too sure how they are going to stick together. May have to bake tomorrow.....
 
Scribbles November 14, 2014
These sound delicious...after reading the comments and then re-reading the ingredients I'm thinking the applesauce may be the reason for 'mushy' comment but that doesn't make sense with the 'crumbled' comments. I'm going to try heating the honey and nut butter, leave out the applesauce and check the consistency. I also may give it a quick bake in the oven, say 325 for 10 to 15 minutes instead of the freezer...hey, it's a recipe which is just a guideline. The ingredients are definitely good!
 
Nicole S. November 11, 2014
These didn't work for me either.. A complete 75 dollar worth of organic ingredients to waste. Doesn't a professional kitchen double check these recipes?? If not they should!!! Grrrrr...
 
Angie D. November 6, 2014
I made these. Followed directions exactly. They tasted good but were too soft, not really mushy, but damp. I probably won't make again.
 
LuvLatte October 20, 2014
I made these yesterday and cut them this morning. Although I made changes because I did not have on hand what the recipe called for, I was really impressed! I used dried cranberries instead of dried cherries and pecans instead of walnuts. I used agave honey, a bit less than what is called for. I made my own unsweetened apple sauce and my own almond butter. They came out mostly in bars, some crumbled, but all in all these are a good healthy snack. I have been looking for something to get us away from the Costco Fruit and Nut Wedges and this will do the trick. I will definitely be making these again. I sliced them into squares and I am keeping them individually wrapped in wax paper in a zip bag in the refrigerator. Great job, great recipe, thanks for sharing Kendra!
 
Jasen October 17, 2014
Not a fan - I wouldn't call these bars as much as moist granola. Interesting idea but I didn't like the taste or consistency of how these turned out.
 
cynthia F. September 18, 2014
Mine were moist and delicious. I even kept 2 in my handbag for 2 days and they were still moist and chewy. I used slow oats
 
Tasha J. September 18, 2014
These were delicious but they crumbled when I cut them 18 hours later. That's fine with me, but children expect snack bars to look a certain way so they thought these looked gross.
 
cynthia F. September 15, 2014
I made this over the week end - with gogi berries instead of cherries. Delicious recipe. !
 
walkie74 September 9, 2014
What kind of oats? Instant or slow?