Nutty Prune Power Bars
These Nutty Prune Power Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that combines the natural sweetness of dried prunes with wholesome oats, nuts, and a touch of honey. Rich in fiber and flavor, these energy bars are perfect for a midday boost or a quick breakfast on the go. Packed with essential nutrients, they're an excellent choice for those looking to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Make a big batch and share with friends or keep them all to yourself – either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried prunes, pitted
2 cups
Orange juice
2/3 cup
Chopped nuts (your choice)
1/2 cup (toasted for added flavor (optional))
Soft margarine
3/4 cup
Packed brown sugar
3/4 cup
Honey
1/4 cup
Egg
1 (beaten)
All-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups
Rolled oats
1 1/2 cups
Wheat germ
1/4 cup
Baking soda
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan.
2
In a blender, combine the dried prunes and orange juice. Blend until the mixture is nearly smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3
Stir in the chopped nuts into the prune mixture and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the soft margarine, packed brown sugar, and honey until smooth. Beat in the beaten egg until well combined.
5
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt, stirring until you have a cohesive mixture.
6
Spread a little less than half of the flour mixture evenly in the greased baking pan.
7
Pour the prune mixture over this base, spreading it to within 1/2 inch of the edges.
8
Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the prune layer, ensuring it's well covered. Gently pat down the top layer to compact it slightly.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and bounce back when touched.
10
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into 1 by 2-inch squares.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
13.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Prune Power Bars?
They are a nutritious snack combining dried prunes, oats, nuts, and honey, designed to provide a healthy energy boost.
What is the primary flavor profile of these bars?
The bars feature a natural sweetness from dried prunes and honey, complemented by the crunch of toasted nuts and a hint of citrus from orange juice.
How many calories are in one Nutty Prune Power Bar?
Each bar contains approximately 80 calories.
Are these bars high in fiber?
Yes, they are marketed as high fiber, containing about 1 gram of fiber per serving primarily from the prunes and oats.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan should I use?
This recipe requires a greased 9 by 13-inch baking pan.
How do I prepare the prune filling?
Combine 2 cups of pitted dried prunes with 2/3 cup of orange juice in a blender and blend until nearly smooth.
Can I use any type of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any chopped nuts of your choice; toasting them beforehand is recommended for added flavor.
What is the function of orange juice in the recipe?
The orange juice is blended with the prunes to create a smooth, flavorful fruit filling.
What ingredients are used for the base and topping?
The dough mixture consists of soft margarine, brown sugar, honey, egg, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt.
How do I assemble the layers in the pan?
Spread a little less than half of the flour mixture on the bottom, pour the prune mixture over it, and crumble the remaining flour mixture on top.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
The bars should be golden brown and should bounce back slightly when touched.
What is the recommended serving size for cutting?
It is recommended to cut them into 1 by 2-inch squares once they have cooled.
Is there fat in this recipe?
Yes, there are 2 grams of fat per serving, coming from the soft margarine and nuts.
Do these bars contain protein?
Yes, each bar contains approximately 1 gram of protein.
Are Nutty Prune Power Bars good for meal prep?
Absolutely, they are labeled for meal prep and make for an excellent on-the-go snack or quick breakfast.
What role does wheat germ play in the recipe?
Wheat germ adds to the nutrient density and fiber content of the bars, contributing to their healthy profile.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a big batch and store them for a convenient midday boost throughout the week.
What is the carbohydrate content per bar?
Each power bar contains 13.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Does the recipe use real butter?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of soft margarine rather than butter.
What type of sweetener is used?
The recipe uses a combination of packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup of honey.
Is an egg required for this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to help bind the dough mixture together.
Do I need to leave a border when spreading the prune filling?
Yes, you should spread the prune mixture to within 1/2 inch of the edges of the pan.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan while placed on a wire rack before you attempt to cut them.
What kind of oats should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats.
Is there any salt or leavening in the bars?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Are these bars considered a 'nutrient-dense' snack?
Yes, they are categorized as nutrient-dense due to the combination of fruit, oats, wheat germ, and nuts.
Can I use any juice other than orange juice?
While the recipe specifies orange juice for its specific flavor pairing with prunes, other citrus juices could likely be substituted.
What is the preparation for the chopped nuts?
The nuts should be chopped and optionally toasted before being stirred into the prune mixture.