Homemade Hershey Foods Brookside Fruit Nut Bar Recipe: Chewy, Crunchy, and Deliciously Customizable

Category: Candy Bar

Introduction

The Hershey Foods Brookside Fruit Nut Bar is a beloved snack known for its delightful combination of chewy fruit, crunchy nuts, and a rich chocolate coating. First introduced by Hershey's, this bar quickly became a favorite due to its unique texture and flavor profile. The original product features a mix of soft fruit pieces, toasted nuts, and a smooth chocolate layer, making it a satisfying treat for both kids and adults. However, store-bought options often come with added preservatives and higher sugar content, which can be a drawback for health-conscious consumers.

Making this treat at home offers several advantages. Not only can you customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, but you can also make it healthier by using less sugar and higher-quality chocolate. Plus, homemade versions can be cost-effective and allow for creative experimentation with different types of fruits and nuts. In this recipe, we'll guide you through creating a homemade version of the Brookside Fruit Nut Bar that tastes identical to the original but with the added benefits of being healthier and customizable.

Why Make It at Home?

Creating your own Brookside Fruit Nut Bar at home allows you to:

• Customize Ingredients: Use your favorite fruits, nuts, and chocolate.
• Reduce Sugar Content: Opt for natural sweeteners or less sugar for a healthier treat.
• Avoid Preservatives: Enjoy a fresher product without added chemicals.
• Save Money: Homemade versions can be more economical in the long run.

Personal Anecdote

I remember when I first tried to recreate the Brookside bar at home. I was amazed at how the combination of chewy fruit, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate could be so easily replicated with just a few simple ingredients. The first batch I made was a hit with my family, and soon I was experimenting with different fruits and nuts to create unique variations. It's been a fun journey, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy the same satisfaction of creating a delicious treat from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:20 minutes
• **Cook Time:10 minutes
• **Total Time:30 minutes
• **Yield:12 bars

Ingredients

Fruit Layer:

• 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries
• 1 cup (120g) dried cherries
• 1/2 cup (60g) raisins
• 1/4 cup (60g) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30g) pectin
• 1 tablespoon (15g) lemon juice

Nut Layer:

• 1 cup (120g) peanuts
• 1/2 cup (60g) almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Coating:

• 2 cups (250g) milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon (15g) coconut oil

Instructions

• Prepare the Fruit Layer:

• In a small saucepan, combine honey, pectin, and lemon juice. Heat over low heat, stirring until the pectin dissolves.

  • In a food processor, pulse the dried cranberries, cherries, and raisins until coarsely chopped.
  • Pour the honey mixture over the chopped fruit and mix until well combined.
  • Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8x8-inch baking dish. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.

• Prepare the Nut Layer:

• In a dry skillet, lightly toast the peanuts and almonds over medium heat until fragrant. Add salt and toss to coat.

  • Sprinkle the nuts evenly over the set fruit layer. Press gently to adhere.

• Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

• Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.

  • Stir in the coconut oil to enhance the texture and melting properties.

• Assemble the Bars:

• Pour the melted chocolate over the nut layer, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface.

  • Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.

• Cut and Serve:

• Once set, use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars.

  • Serve immediately or store as directed.

Storage Instructions

• Short-Term Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-Term Storage: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Variations

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace honey with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or reduce the amount of honey used.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate coating for a spicy kick.
• Darker Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor.

Special Equipment

• Food Processor: For chopping the fruit.
• Double Boiler or Microwave: For melting the chocolate.
• 8x8-inch Baking Dish: For setting the layers.

Pro Tips

• Texture Balance: Ensure each layer is properly set before adding the next to maintain the desired texture.
• Chocolate Tempering: For a professional finish, temper the chocolate before coating to give it a glossy appearance and snappy texture.
• Customization: Experiment with different combinations of fruits and nuts to create unique flavor profiles.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Can I use fresh fruit? Fresh fruit has a higher moisture content, which can make the bars too soft. Dried fruit is recommended for the best texture.
• How do I prevent the chocolate from blooming? Tempering the chocolate or using a higher-quality chocolate can help prevent blooming.
• Can I make this vegan? Yes, use vegan chocolate and ensure that the honey is replaced with a vegan sweetener.
• How long does it take to set? The fruit layer sets in about 10 minutes, while the chocolate takes about 15 minutes to set properly.
• Can I scale the recipe? Yes, simply adjust the ingredient quantities as needed. Larger batches may require longer setting times.

Serving Suggestions

• Snack Time: Perfect as a quick snack on the go.
• Gift Idea: Wrap individually and give as a homemade gift.
• Trail Mix Addition: Chop bars into pieces and add to your favorite trail mix.

Conclusion

Creating your own Brookside Fruit Nut Bars at home is not only fun but also allows you to enjoy a healthier, customizable version of a beloved treat. With this recipe, you can savor the chewy fruit, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate while knowing exactly what goes into each bar. Whether you're looking to reduce sugar, try new flavors, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness, this recipe offers it all. So go ahead, get creative, and share your delicious homemade bars with friends and family. Happy cooking!