I’ve got teenagers in the house….

Two to be exact…

…and a tween that eats like a teen.

So, we run through an insane amount of granola bars and other snacks around here.  I’m always looking for more ways to get them to eat more “healthy” snacks.    My broken record response is always “eat a piece of fruit before you eat anything else.”  Well, these California Nut Bars are a close second and definitely a top choice for providing my kiddos with a nutritional and satisfying snack.

Wholesome goodness to the core!

These bars have that distinct crunch of a store-bought bar, but with a freshness you can’t beat.  Each particular nut or seed has its own unmistakable flavor, coated in the sweet maple syrup.  

I started with 6 different nuts and seeds.  Did you know California grows each one of these types?  Pecans, almonds, pistachios, cashews, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (pepitas).  I used all whole, raw, unsalted versions because we will be baking them ourselves in the oven and adding our own salt.

It’s as easy as combining all the nuts in a large bowl and adding in the maple syrup and salt

Mixing to combine and coat all the pieces

Pour into a parchment-lined baking sheet

Smooth out with a spatula and bake for 40 minutes in a 325 degree oven

Allow to cool for an hour in the pan and lift the entire block out of the pan to cut

Use a sharp knife to cut off pieces of the bark into bars….

Or if you’re like me they will end up a little rustic style and look more like chunks.

But that’s okay… it all tastes the same!

Glorious, wholesome goodness!  All wrapped up in a delicious California Nut Bar!

Here is the easy recipe for ya….