Homemade Energy Bars: Delicious and Nutritious Snack

If you’re searching for a quick, nutritious snack to keep you energized throughout the day, these Homemade Energy Bars are the perfect solution. Packed with dates, dried apricots, prunes, and cashews, these bars are not only delicious but also offer a great source of natural energy. The addition of desiccated coconut adds a delightful texture, while the option to include ground oats helps achieve the perfect consistency. Easy to make and perfect for on-the-go, these bars are a great alternative to store-bought snacks. They’re also customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Let’s dive into how you can make these healthy treats at home!

 

Full Recipe:

Ingredients (Makes 12 pieces)

  • 1 cup dates (130g)
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots (80g)
  • 1/2 cup prunes (80g)
  • 1/2 cup cashews (70g)
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut (60g)
  • 1-2 tbsp ground oats (optional)

Nutritional Information (Per Piece)

  • Calories: 129
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 19.7g
  • Protein: 2g

Directions

Soak the Fruits:

  1. Soak Dates and Apricots: Place 1 cup of dates and 1/2 cup of dried apricots in a bowl. Cover with hot water and let soak for 10 minutes to soften.

Grind the Cashews:

  1. Process Cashews: Use a food processor to grind 1/2 cup of cashews until finely chopped. Set aside.

Blend the Fruits:

  1. Blend Soaked Fruits: Drain the dates and apricots. Add them to the food processor along with 1/2 cup of prunes.
  2. Blend Mixture: Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients:

  1. Combine with Coconut: Add 1 cup of desiccated coconut to the fruit mixture in the food processor. Blend again until combined.
  2. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of ground oats (if using) and blend until the desired consistency is reached.

Shape the Mixture:

  1. Prepare Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Spread Mixture: Transfer the mixture to the tray, pressing it down with your hands to create an even layer.
  3. Smooth Top: Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the top of the mixture.

Chill:

  1. Refrigerate or Freeze: Place the tray in the fridge or freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.

Cut into Bars:

  1. Cut and Serve: Once firm, remove from the fridge or freezer. Cut into bars or bite-sized pieces.

Store:

  1. Keep Fresh: Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the fridge.

Preparation Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 12 bars or bite-sized pieces.

FAQs

Q1: Can I substitute the cashews with another nut? A1: Yes, you can use other nuts such as almonds or walnuts. Adjust the quantity according to your preference.

Q2: Are these bars suitable for vegan diets? A2: Yes, the bars are vegan as long as you use a plant-based sweetener and avoid using any non-vegan ingredients.

Q3: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried? A3: Dried fruit is preferred for this recipe as it provides the right texture and sweetness. Fresh fruit may add too much moisture.

Q4: How long do these bars last? A4: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the bars can last up to 2 weeks.

Q5: Can I freeze these bars? A5: Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before eating.

Conclusion

These Homemade Energy Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, nutritious snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With their natural sweetness from dates and apricots and the added crunch of cashews and coconut, these bars offer a delicious and healthy alternative to processed snacks. Whether you need an on-the-go breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a post-workout treat, these energy bars have got you covered. Enjoy the convenience of a homemade snack that fuels your body and delights your taste buds!