Fig, Pistachio, and Puffed Brown Rice Snack Bars
These no-bake bars are a cross between baklava, Rice Krispie treats, and Fig Newtons...with chocolate on top! Figs, pistachios, and honey are added to puffed brown rice, then covered in a thin layer of semi-sweet chocolate. There is nothing to feel guilty about!
Equipment
- 8 x 8-inch square pan
- Food processor
- cooking spray
- large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Small microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried figs roughly chopped (about 8 figs)
- 2 cups puffed brown rice *see Notes
- ¾ cup shelled unsalted pistachios
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Kosher or flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Spray the pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- Place the figs and pistachios in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until roughly chopped.
- Add the melted butter, honey, salt, and cinnamon, and pulse until it forms a sticky paste. It should come together but still have noticeable chunks of nuts.
- Transfer the fig mixture to a large bowl. Add in the puffed brown rice and mix with a spatula until the rice is coated evenly in the fig-honey mixture.
- Scrape the rice-fig mixture into the pan and press down firmly with the spatula so the top is smooth. Set aside.
- Place the chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds on high, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the fig bars in the pan. Spread with a spatula until the chocolate covers the bars in a thin layer. Sprinkle the top with kosher salt or sea salt. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour or more is best).
- When you are ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the pan. Turn the pan upside down on a cutting board to remove the fig bars. Carefully turn the square of fig bars over, then cut into 18 rectangles. Store uneaten pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
TIPS
- *If you can’t find puffed brown rice, there are other healthy puffed grains you can substitute. Puffed millet, quinoa, or even regular puffed rice are all good gluten-free options. The texture may be slightly different, but they all have a pleasant crunch.
- Substitute ingredients as needed to suit your dietary needs. Vegan chocolate chips and butter, agave instead of honey, different puffed grains, and even a mix of different nuts will work well in this recipe.
