Chewy Fruit and Nut Bar

By ahree

Ingredients

• •
6 tablespoons (50 g) flour
• •1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• •1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• •1/4 teaspoon salt
• •6 tablespoons (90 g) packed, light or dark brown sugar
• •
1/2 cup (50 g) each of walnuts, almonds, pecans, and raw pistachios, toasted and coarsely chopped 
(use whatever combo of nuts you want here)
• •1 1/2 cups (170 g) dates, pitted and quartered
• •1 cup (170 g) assorted dried fruits (we used 110g dried apricots cut in half, 40g candied ginger finely diced, and 20g flaked coconut)
• •1 large egg
• •1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Details

Adapted from ouichefnetwork.com

Preparation

Step 1


1. Line an 8"X8" square pan across the bottom and up the sides with two sheets of aluminum foil, making a big criss-cross with the sides overhanging (or use a 9"X13" pan, similarly lined for a double batch of bars).

2. Preheat the oven to 325℉ (160C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.

3. In a large bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the brown sugar, nuts and fruits, using your fingers to separate any pieces sticking together.

4. Beat the egg and vanilla in a small bowl, then mix it with the fruit and nut mixture until everything is coated and shiny. Spread the mixture in the baking pan and press gently to push into the corners of the pan, and to even out the top.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top of the bars are golden brown and the mass has pulled away slightly from the sides of the pan. Cool the bars in the pan, then lift out using the foil as a carrier.

6. When completely cooled, cut using a sharp, heavy knife to ensure neat, clean slices.