Cranberry Nut Crunch Bars
Delightful and nutritious, Cranberry Nut Crunch Bars are the perfect treat for children's lunch boxes or a wholesome snack for anyone. Made with a wholesome mix of nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries, these bars are naturally sweetened using the richness of peanut butter and the light creaminess of mini marshmallows. With no added white sugar, each bite offers a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness, making them a fantastic alternative to traditional sugary snacks. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
sesame seeds
1/3 cup (toasted)
sunflower seeds
1/3 cup (chopped and toasted)
walnuts or pecans
1/3 cup (chopped)
almonds
1/3 cup (chopped)
shredded coconut
1/3 cup (toasted)
Rice Krispies
1/3 cup (or similar cereal)
dried sweetened cranberries
1 cup (chopped (or use Craisins))
peanut butter
4 tablespoons (smooth)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
mini marshmallows
7 cups (approximately 12 ounces)
Instructions
1
Begin by greasing a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
2
In a large skillet set over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts (or pecans), and almonds, stirring frequently, until they reach a pale golden brown color (approximately 2-3 minutes).
3
Add the shredded coconut to the mixture and continue stirring until both the sesame seeds and coconut are golden (around 2 minutes).
4
Remove from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies and chopped cranberries, combining well to coat everything evenly.
5
In a separate large saucepan (5-6 quart), combine the peanut butter, butter, and mini marshmallows. Heat over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and completely melted (about 5 minutes).
6
Quickly fold in the cereal and cranberry mixture into the melted marshmallow mixture using a wooden spoon, ensuring everything is coated thoroughly.
7
Transfer the warm mixture into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or spoon to firmly press down, creating an even layer across the pan.
8
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
9
Once set, cut the firm mixture into 24 equal bars.
10
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days for maximum freshness and enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry Nut Crunch Bars?
Cranberry Nut Crunch Bars are a delightful and nutritious treat made from a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries, held together by peanut butter and mini marshmallows.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 equal-sized bars.
Are these bars suitable for a child's lunch box?
Yes, they are specifically described as a perfect treat for children's lunch boxes or as a wholesome snack for anyone.
Is there any white sugar added to these bars?
No, these bars contain no added white sugar; they are naturally sweetened with peanut butter and mini marshmallows.
How do I store Cranberry Nut Crunch Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
They can be stored for up to 4 days for maximum freshness and enjoyment.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
What kind of nuts can be used in the bars?
The recipe calls for chopped almonds and a choice of either walnuts or pecans.
Which seeds are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses toasted sesame seeds and chopped, toasted sunflower seeds.
What type of cereal is used?
Rice Krispies or a similar type of crispy rice cereal is used to provide the crunch.
How do I prepare the nuts and seeds?
Toast the sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts (or pecans), and almonds in a large skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until pale golden brown.
When should I add the shredded coconut?
Add the shredded coconut to the skillet after the seeds and nuts have been toasting for a few minutes, then stir for another 2 minutes.
How many marshmallows are needed?
You will need 7 cups of mini marshmallows, which is approximately 12 ounces.
What type of peanut butter is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using smooth peanut butter.
Should the butter used be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can I use Craisins instead of regular dried cranberries?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use Craisins as a substitute for dried sweetened cranberries.
How long does it take to melt the marshmallow mixture?
It takes about 5 minutes over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease the 13 x 9-inch pan with butter to prevent the bars from sticking.
How do I ensure the bars are packed firmly into the pan?
Use a spatula or spoon to firmly press the warm mixture down into the prepared pan to create an even layer.
Can I cool the bars in the refrigerator?
Yes, while they can cool at room temperature, placing them in the refrigerator can speed up the setting process.
What tool is best for folding the cereal into the marshmallow mixture?
A wooden spoon is recommended for quickly folding the ingredients together.
Are these bars a good source of nutrition?
Yes, they are described as nutritious and wholesome due to the mix of seeds, nuts, and fruit.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Bar Cookie.
How should I chop the dried cranberries?
The cranberries should be chopped into smaller pieces before being stirred into the cereal mixture.
What size saucepan is recommended for melting the ingredients?
A large 5-6 quart saucepan is recommended.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Technically yes, as the mixture is heated on the stovetop and set in the pan without being baked in an oven.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with butter.
How often should I stir the seeds and nuts while toasting?
You should stir them frequently to ensure they reach a pale golden brown color without burning.
Can I use different seeds if I don't have sunflower seeds?
While the recipe calls for sunflower seeds, you can often substitute with similar seeds, though it may change the flavor profile.
What texture should the final bars have?
The bars have a delightful crunch from the nuts and seeds combined with a light creaminess from the marshmallows.