Triple Fruit Bars: Strawberry Cherry Apple Delight

Craving a fruity, wholesome snack that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these delightful Strawberry Cherry Apple Bars! Packed with fresh strawberries, cherries, and apples, these bars are not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients. By incorporating chia seeds into the mix, you’ll enjoy a boost of omega-3s in every bite.

Crafted from just four simple ingredients and a touch of magic, these homemade bars are the perfect solution for a quick, on-the-go treat. Whether you’re in need of a midday pick-me-up or a post-workout refuel, these bars made from clean, whole ingredients are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and contain no added sugars—making them a guilt-free indulgence for all!

Transform your pantry staples and seasonal fruits into a batch of these chewy, naturally sweet bars. The marriage of strawberries, cherries, and apples in these bars strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. But don’t be afraid to get creative—feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or add a hint of warm spices for a personalized twist. Whip up a batch today and discover a truly magical snack that the whole family will love!

Quick Benefits

• Nutrient-packed snack: Packed with omega-3s from chia seeds and antioxidants from fresh fruits
• Simple and wholesome: Made with clean, whole ingredients and no added sugars or preservatives
• Convenient and versatile: Perfect make-ahead snack that travels well, maintains nutritional benefits, and can be customized with different fruits or flavors
• Allergy-friendly: Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and free from added sugars, suitable for various dietary preferences

Why You’ll Love This Triple Fruit Bars: Strawberry Cherry Apple Delight Recipe

• Clean whole ingredients with no additives or preservatives
• Perfect make-ahead snack that travels well
• Only requires four simple ingredients
• Great way to use seasonal summer fruits
• Maintains most of the nutritional benefits of fresh fruit while concentrated into a convenient snack form
• Each bar contains beneficial fiber from both the fruits and chia seeds
• Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and contains no added sugars
• Customizable with different fruit combinations and flavor additions
• Can be made in an oven if you don’t own a dehydrator
• Tips provided for optimal preparation, cutting, and storage

Ingredients for Triple Fruit Bars: Strawberry Cherry Apple Delight

Fruit and Seeds

• 1 3/4 cups strawberries
• 1 1/3 cups cherries, seeds and stems removed
• 4 teaspoons chia seeds
• 1 1/2 apples (fuji, gala, or similar), roughly chopped

Pro Tips for Triple Fruit Bars: Strawberry Cherry Apple Delight

To enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your Strawberry Cherry Apple Bars, consider experimenting with different fruit combinations or adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for a unique twist. These adjustments can cater to personal preferences and seasonal availability, making the bars even more versatile and enjoyable.

When making these bars, ensure the chia seeds fully hydrate in the fruit mixture for at least 5 minutes before spreading onto dehydrator sheets. This step is crucial for optimal binding and texture. Additionally, cutting the bars with kitchen scissors while they’re still slightly warm can result in cleaner edges, making for a more aesthetically pleasing final product. For convenient snacking, wrap individual portions in parchment paper and store them in reusable silicone bags, making them easy to grab on-the-go and reducing waste.

How to Make Triple Fruit Bars: Strawberry Cherry Apple Delight

Step 1: Step 01

If using frozen fruit, thaw it before proceeding.

Step 2: Step 02

Place strawberries, cherries, and apples in a food processor and pulse until fruit is combined with a slightly chunky texture.

Step 3: Step 03

Stir chia seeds into the blended fruit mixture until well combined.

Step 4: Step 04

Transfer the fruit and chia seed mixture into a mold on a dehydrator sheet lined with a teflex sheet.

Step 5: Step 05

Dehydrate the mixture at 125°F for 4 hours, then remove the mold.

Step 6: Step 06

After dehydrating for 2.5 hours, flip the bars onto the dehydrator tray without the teflex sheet and peel the sheet away carefully.

Step 7: Step 07

Dehydrate the bars until completely dried, for about 11.5 additional hours.

Storage Tips

Once you have made these delicious Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To extend their shelf life further, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and store them in the refrigerator for up to one month. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to three months by wrapping them individually in parchment paper and placing them in freezer bags. Remember to allow the frozen bars to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Customize these fruit bars based on seasonal availability or personal preference by trying different fruit combinations such as blueberries, raspberries, mango, or pineapple. You can also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor dimensions. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can still make these bars in the oven by spreading the fruit mixture on a baking sheet and baking at a low temperature for several hours. Enjoy these nutrient-packed snacks as a convenient and wholesome treat for any time of day!

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Strawberry Cherry Apple Bars, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make based on availability or personal preference. Instead of fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thoroughly thawed. For the cherries, feel free to swap them out for blueberries to achieve a different flavor profile. If you prefer a tangier taste, raspberries can replace the strawberries. Additionally, you can experiment with tropical flavors by using mango and pineapple in place of some of the berries, ensuring you maintain a similar overall fruit quantity for the right consistency.

If you don’t have access to certain apple varieties like Fuji or Gala, you can use other crisp apple varieties that you have on hand. Adjust the choice of apple based on your taste preference, as long as they provide natural pectin to help bind the bars together. While chia seeds are recommended for their binding properties and nutritional benefits, you can substitute them with ground flaxseeds if desired. This swap will still provide texture and some nutritional value to the bars, allowing for flexibility in the ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with these Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars, consider cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a platter with a selection of nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate pieces for a colorful and wholesome snack board. This presentation not only adds a variety of textures and flavors but also allows for easy customization based on personal preferences.

Another fun serving idea is to crumble the Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars over a bowl of Greek yogurt or a smoothie bowl for a delightful crunch and burst of fruity flavor. This adds a nutritious and delicious twist to your breakfast or snack time, providing a satisfying combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements in every bite.

FAQs for Triple Fruit Bars: Strawberry Cherry Apple Delight

Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit. Ensure you thaw it completely before processing to achieve the ideal texture.

What type of apples should I use for the bars?

Sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala are perfect, but you can adjust based on your flavor preference.

Do I need a dehydrator to make these bars?

While a dehydrator is recommended for the best texture, you can use an oven set at a low temperature as an alternative.

How long do the bars need to dehydrate, and at what temperature?

The bars require approximately 18 hours of dehydration at 125°F, with flipping midway through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Strawberry Cherry Apple Bars are not just a snack, but a delicious and wholesome way to enjoy the natural goodness of fresh fruits. With no additives or preservatives, they make for a perfect guilt-free indulgence that you can feel good about. The combination of strawberries, cherries, apples, and chia seeds provides a burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite.

So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful Strawberry Cherry Apple Bars? Whether you’re looking for a quick snack on-the-go or a healthy option for your next outdoor adventure, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you fueled and energized. Embrace the magic of homemade fruit bars and savor the sweetness of summer all year round with these Strawberry Cherry Apple Bars.