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Homemade Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars are the perfect back to school treat! Kids and adults will gobble up these bars!
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (1) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Labor Day is over which means it’s time to get back to school and back to the grind. I tried to ignore it for as long as I could, but I can’t pretend anymore! School is in full swing and that means it’s time to wake up early, pack school lunches, do homework, and go to bed early. Caleb isn’t old enough to go to school yet, but I still feel the need to get back to our regular schedule. We kind of let things go during the summer months. We are more flexible with our work schedule, naps, bedtime, and even diet. I ate a few too many desserts in Jackson Hole🙂
Back to school doesn’t mean we can’t have fun though! To kick off our “school” year and new routine we made Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars. These bars are fun to make and fun to eat!
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (2) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (2)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (3) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (3)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
The recipe for Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars comes from Catherine McCord’s new cookbook, Weelicious Lunches. Catherine’s first book is a favorite at our house so when she told me she was writing a second book all about healthy lunches, I started counting down the days until release date. Well, it’s here and the book is fabulous!
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (4) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (4)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Weelicious Lunches is filled with healthy and fun recipes, lists of lunchbox favorites, facts on food allergies, and tips for picky eaters. Catherine’s recipes are sure to make even your pickiest eaters happy! Plus, there is a chapter dedicated to Peanut Butter & Jelly. I am going to be tackling that chapter very soon:)
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (5) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (5)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
But let’s talk about these Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars. I never buy packaged granola or fruit bars at the store. Most bars have ingredients that I can’t pronounce and are expensive so I stay away. I always make homemade granola bars, but haven’t tried making a fruit bar. So when I saw Catherine’s recipe for Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars I knew I had to try them!
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (6) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (6)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
There are only seven ingredients in these bars and I can pronounce all of them:) I love that they are made with whole wheat flour and oats. You can use your favorite jam or fruit preserves for the filling. I went with homemade triple berry jam that our friends gave to us.
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (7) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (7)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
The bars have a buttery whole grain crust with a sweet fruity filing! They are the perfect treat for school lunches or an after school snack. They are easy to pack and will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. So you can make a pan and ration out the bars during the week.
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (8) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (8)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
I tried to ration out our bars, but they went quickly. Caleb wanted a taste as soon as they came out of the oven!
Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars are the perfect back to school or anytime treat. I know we will be making these homemade fruit bars all of the time!
And make sure you check out Catherine’s blog, Weelicious, for more healthy kid-friendly recipes! And if you want a daily dose of lunch inspiration follow Weelicious on Instagram. Every day Catherine posts a photo of a healthy lunch box. She has the best ideas! I want to be Catherine when I grow up!
![Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (9) Homemade Fruit Bars Recipe | Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars (9)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Kid Friendly
Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars
Homemade Whole Grain Fruit-Filled Bars are the perfect treat for school lunches, an after school snack, or grabbing on the go!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 3/4 cup fruit preserves or jam
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Pulse for 30 seconds.
3. Add the butter and cold water and pulse until the dough holds together when pressed.
4. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, line it with parchment paper, and grease the parchment paper.
5. Divide the dough mixture in half and press half into the prepared baking dish, using the back of a spatula to press down evenly.
6. Spread the preserves evenly on top of the dough. Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly on top of the preserves and gently press down using the back of a spatula.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Cool, cut into 1 ½ x 4-inch bars, and serve.
Note-bars can be stored at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Have you tried this recipe?
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FAQs
A Nutri-Grain fruit and grain bar typically contains around 120 calories, with 11 grams of sugar and less than 1 gram of fiber per serving. While they offer a convenient snack option, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men daily.
What makes cereal bars stick together? ›
Butter, honey, and brown sugar: Make up the base of our bars and help the ingredients stay together. To make this honey-free, you can substitute brown rice syrup or golden syrup (these tend to work better than maple syrup since they are sticky like honey).
Do that's it fruit bars need to be refrigerated? ›
That's it. Fruit Bars are 100% natural, plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen-free, with no added sugars. They do not require refrigeration, and are shelf-stable for two years.
What are the benefits of fruit bars? ›
... Moreover, fruit bars possess much higher nutritional value in terms of energy, vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants than fresh fruits as all nutrient elements are in concentrated form (Orrego, Salgado, & Botero, 2014) .
What is the healthiest bar to eat? ›
Healthiest Protein Bars at a Glance
- Healthiest Overall Protein Bar: Rise Whey Protein Bars.
- Best Low-Sugar Protein Bar: MariGold ChunkyChoco Pecan Protein Bars.
- Healthiest Gluten-Free Protein Bar: GoMacro Peanut Butter Protein Replenishment Bar.
- Best Nut-Free Protein Bar: 88 Acres Banana Bread Protein Bar.
Is NutriGrain highly processed? ›
Nutri-Grain is a popular brand of breakfast cereal that is marketed as a healthy choice. However, like many processed cereals, it can be high in added sugars and low in fiber, protein, and other important nutrients.
What is the best binder for granola bars? ›
While there are several different sticky ingredients that you can use, we've found that the binding agent that works the best is honey! When added to your homemade granola bars, honey acts as glue that sticks all the pieces together.
Is it cheaper to make your own granola bars? ›
Homemade granola bars aren't hard to make once you have all the right ingredients and they'll certainly save you money in the long term.
What is the best glue for granola bars? ›
Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar are popular choices that add a natural sweetness. Be mindful of the quantity, as these sweeteners also contribute to the binding of the granola mixture. Peanut butter, almond butter, or even mashed bananas can act as the glue that holds your granola bars together.
What fruit should not be refrigerated? ›
Fruits that should not be refrigerated include bananas, apples, melons, and berries. Keep in mind that many fruits will ripen more quickly when left at room temperature but will stay fresh longer if refrigerated once ripe.
If kept properly stored, dried fruits can last for several months after the expiration date. In fact, even if they are just stored in the pantry, they can last from six months to a year after the expiration date as long as the container is airtight and properly sealed after each use.
Can you eat fruit left out overnight? ›
Avoid leaving cut, peeled and cooked fruit and vegetables at room temperature for more than two hours. The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service inspects only meat, poultry and egg products. FDA inspects other foods.
Are nutrigrain bars healthy? ›
Carb heavy: While carbohydrates are an important source of energy, Nutri-Grain bars are relatively high in carbohydrates and added sugar compared to other snack options. Bars with a better balance of protein, fat and fiber will have more staying power and keep you feeling satisfied for longer.
Why are Welch's fruit snacks so good? ›
Delivering luscious fruit flavor, these fruit strips are non-sticky, with a soft and delicious mouthfeel that gets better with every bite. Perfect for the whole family, they are packed with Whole Fruit, are Gluten Free, Vegan, non-GMO and contain only Natural Flavors and Colors from Natural Sources.
What is the shelf life of fruit bars? ›
Full-sized bars (40 grams) are equivalent to two fresh fruit servings. Not only are they nutritious, but they are convenient and have a 2-year shelf life.
Is it OK to eat a fiber bar everyday? ›
These bars are not whole foods, so it's important to consume them in moderation and strive to get most of your fiber from whole food ingredients such as fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Some fiber bars are highly processed and contain added sugars.
Are nutri grain bars actually healthy? ›
With only small amounts of fiber and protein in each Nutri-Grain bar, they're very unlikely to keep you satiated for long. Nutri-Grain bars are high in added sugar while containing only middling amounts of fiber and protein. Quite honestly, that's a terrible formula if you're looking for a healthy, nutritious bar.
Are meal replacement bars good for you? ›
Meal bars are generally about 200 to 300 calories and are good sources of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. Though most are satisfied with these calories, it is best to accompany these meal bars with light food to fulfill your dietary requirements.
How much sugar is in a fruit and grain bar? ›
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Value |
---|
Sugar | 12g |
Protein | 2g |
Calcium | 200mg |
Iron | 2mg |
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