Fruit and Nut Crisps - Twice-Baked Crunchy Sliced Treats
These twice-baked fruit and nut crisps combine flour, mixed nuts, dried fruit, and seeds into a dense loaf that's sliced thin and baked until golden and crunchy. The first bake creates a firm loaf, while the second transforms thin slices into crisp, cookie-like treats perfect for snacking or serving with coffee. The combination of nuts, raisins or cranberries, and pepitas creates satisfying texture and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a loaf pan
- 2
Stir flour, nuts, dried fruits, seeds, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl
- 3
Stir in the milk and pour mixture evenly into the greased loaf pan
- 4
Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown
- 5
Cool completely in the pan then transfer to freezer for one hour
- 6
Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and remove loaf from pan
- 7
Cut into 1/8-inch slices using a serrated knife
- 8
Arrange slices in single layer on rimmed baking sheet
- 9
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through
- 10
Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely
Tips
Freeze the baked loaf for one hour to make slicing easier and prevent crumbling when cutting thin slices.
Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to cut clean 1/8-inch slices without crushing the nuts and fruit.
Watch carefully during the second bake as thin slices can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Good to Know
Store at room temperature in airtight container for up to one week
Can make loaf up to 2 days ahead before slicing and second baking
Serve as snack with coffee or tea, or as appetizer with cheese
Common Mistakes
Don't skip freezing step or slices will crumble when cutting
Cut slices evenly or they'll bake unevenly in second bake
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze the finished crisps?
Yes, freeze in airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or refresh in 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
What if my slices are too thick?
Thicker slices will be chewier rather than crispy. Aim for 1/8-inch thickness for best texture.
Can I use different nuts and dried fruits?
Yes, substitute any combination of nuts and dried fruits, keeping total amounts the same for proper texture.