Fruit and Nut Bars

Who doesn't love a no-bake sweet treat? These Fruit and Nut Bars are quick and simple to make, with a delicious fudgy texture and bursts of sweet fruit in every bite.

No bake bars are such a breeze to whip up, taking no time at all. They're such a good option when you have the urge to make something sweet but can't be all that bothered investing the time and effort. This recipe also uses ingredients that many people are likely to already have sitting in their cupboards. 

These bars are a great lunchbox snack and they keep really well stored in an airtight container for at least a week. If it's hot in your kitchen, just remember to store in the refrigerator. 

The base recipe here is very easily adaptable. If you're not too keen on the fruit combination for example, just change it up to suit your tastes. And if you're feeling extra naughty, why not add some chocolate chips too?

The bars alone are delicious, but when topped with the peanut butter icing they are perfect! If you love peanut butter, make sure you don't skimp on the icing!

Fruit and Nut Bars

Makes about 20 bars

125 g butter

1/2 tin (200 g) condensed milk

1/2 Cup brown sugar

250 g plain biscuits

1/3 Cup dried apricots, chopped

1/3 Cup sultanas or raisins

1/3 Cup currants

1/4 Cup desiccated coconut

1/4 Cup chopped nuts

Icing:

70 g butter

2 Tbsp peanut butter

1 Cup icing sugar

1. Heat butter, condensed milk, and sugar together in a large saucepan over a medium heat until butter is melted and everything is well combined. Remove from the heat.

2. Process biscuits to a fine crumb in a food processor and add to the saucepan along with all the fruit and nuts. Mix well to combine.

3. Pour into a lined slice pan and refrigerate until set.

4. Make the icing by melting the butter and the peanut butter together and sifting in the icing sugar. Mix well and spread over the slice. Return to the refrigerator briefly before cutting into squares or bars.