All kids love a muesli bar, don’t they? Not a lot of good can be said about the store bought variety unfortunately – but thankfully, making them yourself couldn’t be simpler. Homemade Fruit ‘n’ nut muesli bars are full of all things good. They’re great in lunch boxes, or as a mid-morning snack and you probably have all the ingredients in the pantry.

Nutrition Note:  Packed full of taste and nutrition, including good quality carbohydrates, protein and fibre, these muesli bars offer long lasting energy for your busy little bodies.

Ingredients

• 50g rolled oats
• 50g macadamia nuts, roughly crushed (or cashews)
• 150g unsulphured apricots, chopped
• 100g unsulphered raisins
• 4 tbsp fresh apple or orange juice
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 3 tbsp shredded or desiccated coconut
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• Note: add extra seeds if required for nut allergies
• Note: many dried fruit brands add sulphur to retain colour, check your labels carefully

Method

Step 1

Put the oats and nuts in a dry frying pan over medium and toss to toast for a few minutes. Once the oats turn golden set aside to cool. -

Step 2

Put the apricots, raisins and juice in a food processor and process to a paste. Place the paste in a mixing bowl. -

Step 3

Put the oats, nuts, seeds and coconut in a food processor and process until finely chopped (be sure to check for whole nuts as these can pose a choking risk in small children). Combine the mixture with the fruit paste and stir to combine. -

Step 4

Line a 18 x 25cm slice tin with baking paper. Spread the mixture evenly over the base, you want to aim for around 1 - 1.5cm thick. Place in the fridge to chill for at least an hour then slice into bars. -

Step 5

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. -