These No-Bake Oat, Raisin, and Apricot Bars are a healthy and delicious snack option. Packed with the goodness of oats, dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of chocolate, they are perfect for on-the-go munching or as a quick energy booster.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
Makes: 8–10 bars
Ingredients
- Oat flakes: 80 g (1 cup)
- Raisins: 100 g (1/2 cup)
- Walnuts: 80 g (1/2 cup), chopped
- Dried apricots: 100 g (1/2 cup), chopped
- Ripe banana: 1 medium, mashed
- Dark chocolate: 100 g (3.5 oz), chopped (use sugar-free if preferred)
- Coconut oil: 1 teaspoon
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Chop the walnuts, dried apricots, and dark chocolate into small pieces.
- Mash the ripe banana until smooth and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oat flakes, raisins, chopped walnuts, and dried apricots.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in the mashed banana and mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Mix Chocolate with Oat Mixture:
- Pour the melted chocolate into the oat mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the Bars:
- Line a square baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper.
- Transfer the mixture to the dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Chill to Set:
- Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once set, remove the mixture from the dish and cut it into 8–10 bars.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.
- Pack in lunchboxes as a nutritious treat.
- Pair with yogurt or a smoothie for a light breakfast.
- Crumble over ice cream for a delicious topping.
- Enjoy as a post-workout energy bar.
Cooking Tips
- Use overripe bananas for a sweeter flavor.
- Substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or any nut of your choice.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in fiber and natural sugars for sustained energy.
- Rich in healthy fats from walnuts and coconut oil.
- Antioxidants from dark chocolate and dried fruits.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free (if certified gluten-free oats are used)
- Vegetarian
- Dairy-Free (if using dairy-free dark chocolate)
Nutritional Facts (Per Bar)
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with no baking required.
- Packed with healthy ingredients for a guilt-free snack.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts, fruits, or chocolate.
- Perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Oat, Raisin, and Apricot Bars are the perfect combination of convenience and nutrition. With their chewy texture, natural sweetness, and wholesome ingredients, they’re sure to become a favorite for the whole family. Try them today and enjoy a delightful, homemade snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use another type of dried fruit?
- Yes, you can substitute raisins or apricots with cranberries, dates, or figs.
2. Can I use rolled oats instead of oat flakes?
- Absolutely, rolled oats work just as well in this recipe.
3. Can I skip the chocolate?
- Yes, you can skip it or replace it with nut butter for a different flavor.
4. How do I make these vegan?
- Ensure the chocolate used is vegan-friendly.
5. Can I add seeds to the recipe?
- Yes, add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
6. What can I use instead of bananas?
- Replace bananas with unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree.
7. Are these suitable for kids?
- Yes, these bars are kid-friendly and make a great lunchbox snack.
8. How do I prevent the bars from crumbling?
- Ensure the mixture is pressed firmly into the dish before chilling.
9. Can I use honey instead of coconut oil?
- Yes, honey can be used as a binding agent but may slightly alter the flavor.
10. How long do these bars take to set?
- Typically, 1 hour in the refrigerator is sufficient to set the bars firmly.