Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars

When those sweet summer berries make their appearance, it’s the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen! Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars are a delightful, healthy treat that marries juicy strawberries, vibrant cherries, and crisp apples with the nutritious boost of chia seeds. I remember the first time I made these bars; the aroma of fresh fruit mixed with the slight nuttiness of chia seeds had everyone in my home coming back for seconds. It’s a snack that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also gives you the energy boost needed for those busy days.

Why make this recipe

Top Reasons to Try This Dish

This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s packed with benefits that make it an irresistible choice. Not only are Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars quick to whip up, but they are also kid-approved, making them a perfect addition to lunchboxes or as an after-school snack. The use of natural ingredients means you’re providing something nutritious without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a family brunch or need an on-the-go breakfast, these bars hit the spot.

"These bars are a game-changer! Deliciously fruity and easy to make. Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert." – A happy home chef

How to make Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars is a breeze! You will combine fruits in a food processor, stir in chia seeds, and let the dehydrator work its magic. In no time, you’ll have chewy, healthful bars ready to be enjoyed. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect in this simple process:

1. Combine fresh or thawed fruits in a food processor.
2. Mix in chia seeds.
3. Pour the mixture into a mold and dehydrate until done.

Ingredients

What you’ll need

To create these delicious treats, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups fresh strawberries (or thawed if using frozen)
• 1 1/3 cups cherries (pitted and stems removed)
• 1 1/2 apples (such as Fuji or Gala), roughly chopped
• 4 teaspoons chia seeds

Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits if you’re looking to change things up. Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches work wonderfully too!

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Directions

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started with the directions:

1. If using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw it completely.
2. Add the strawberries, cherries, and chopped apples into your food processor.
3. Process the fruit until it’s well combined but still slightly chunky for texture.
4. Stir in the chia seeds until evenly distributed.
5. Pour the mixture into your mold on a dehydrator sheet lined with Teflex.
6. Dehydrate at 125°F for 4 hours, then carefully remove the mold.
7. Dehydrate for an additional 2.5 hours, flip bars onto the dehydrator tray without Teflex, and peel away the Teflex sheet.
8. Continue dehydrating until fully dry, which takes approximately another 11.5 hours.

How to serve Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars

Serving Ideas

These bars are fantastic on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas to elevate your snack time:

• Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a delightful breakfast.
• Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them as a nutritious addition to a cheese platter.
• Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter touch, perfect for dessert!

How to store

Best Way to Store Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars

To keep your Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars fresh longer:

• Room Temperature: Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Refrigerator: For extended freshness, these bars can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Ensure safe food handling practices, especially when preparing in bulk or packaging for a longer shelf life.

Tips to make

Pro Chef Tips

Here are a few insider tips to enhance your bar-making experience:

• If you’re short on time, consider chopping the apples ahead and soaking them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Experiment with spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for added flavor depth.
• Adjust the dehydration time based on your preferred texture: less time for chewier bars, more time for a crispier bite!

Variations

Creative twists

Don’t hesitate to switch things up! Here are some creative variations:

• Tropical Flavor: Add diced mango and a splash of coconut extract for a tropical twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or seeds for a protein boost and added texture.
• Sweet Swaps: Try using honey or agave syrup if you prefer a touch of sweetness without using more fruit.

FAQs

Your questions answered

1. Can I use different fruits?
   Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or whatever is in season. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness as needed.

2. How long does it take to make these bars?
   Aside from prep time, which is minimal, the total drying process takes about 18 hours. Plan ahead, especially if you want them the next day.

3. How do I know when they’re done dehydrating?
   The bars should be completely dry to the touch and slightly pliable. They shouldn’t feel tacky or sticky at all.

These Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars are simple, satisfying, and an excellent way to utilize fresh produce. Happy snacking!

Strawberry Cherry Apple Chia Bars

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• Total Time: 18 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Pin Recipe

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Description

Delightful, healthy bars made with strawberries, cherries, apples, and chia seeds, perfect for snacks or breakfast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 3/4 cups fresh strawberries (or thawed if using frozen)
• 1 1/3 cups cherries (pitted and stems removed)
• 1 1/2 apples (such as Fuji or Gala), roughly chopped
• 4 teaspoons chia seeds

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Instructions

1. If using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw it completely.
2. Add the strawberries, cherries, and chopped apples into your food processor.
3. Process the fruit until it’s well combined but still slightly chunky for texture.
4. Stir in the chia seeds until evenly distributed.
5. Pour the mixture into your mold on a dehydrator sheet lined with Teflex.
6. Dehydrate at 125°F for 4 hours, then carefully remove the mold.
7. Dehydrate for an additional 2.5 hours, flip bars onto the dehydrator tray without Teflex, and peel away the Teflex sheet.
8. Continue dehydrating until fully dry, which takes approximately another 11.5 hours.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 hours
• Category: Snack
• Method: Dehydrating
• Cuisine: Healthy

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: snack, healthy bars, chia seeds, fruit bars, vegan snack, energy bars