These bite‑size bars have a buttery whole‑grain crust and a crunchy fruit‑nut topping. They are a great treat for holiday gatherings and only 191 calories per piece.
Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling)
Cranberry‑Walnut Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (142 g) white whole‑wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cut into 1‑inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for crust)
- 1 tablespoon ice‑cold water
- 1/2 cup (118 g) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1 cup (113 g) walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup (115 g) dried cranberries, chopped
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8‑inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2‑inch overhang on two sides so you can lift the bars out later.
2. Make the crust: In a food processor, blend the flour, coconut sugar, half the salt, and baking powder. Add the butter cubes and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with tiny butter pieces. Mix in the vanilla and water, pulsing just until the dough sticks together. If it feels dry, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the edges turn light gold. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the topping: In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, egg, the remaining vanilla, and the rest of the salt. Stir in the chopped walnuts and cranberries.
5. Pour the topping over the warm crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the mixture bubbles and the nuts look lightly browned.
6. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least one hour. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out, then cut into squares.
Serves: 16 bars (1 bar per serving)
Nutrition per bar: 190 calories, 11 g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat, 4 g polyunsaturated fat, 28 mg cholesterol, 123 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 10 g sugars, 3 g protein. Also provides 2.5% calcium, 3% iron, 74 mg potassium, and 12% vitamin A.