These No-Bake Oat, Raisin, and Apricot Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that requires minimal effort to prepare, making them a perfect choice for busy days or when you need something quick yet healthy. The combination of oats, dried fruits, walnuts, and dark chocolate offers a fantastic balance of sweetness, crunch, and rich flavor. These bars not only taste amazing but also provide a solid nutritional profile, making them a great option for a grab-and-go snack, a breakfast, or even a pre-workout fuel.
The use of whole ingredients like oats, walnuts, and dried apricots ensures that these bars are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. The dark chocolate topping adds a satisfying touch of indulgence, while still being healthier than typical sugary snacks. If you’re looking for a quick and easy homemade treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and provides lasting energy, these No-Bake Oat, Raisin, and Apricot Bars are perfect.
Ingredients
For the Bar Base:
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80g (1 cup) Oat Flakes
Oats are an excellent source of fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol levels and supports healthy digestion. Oats also provide complex carbohydrates that offer sustained energy throughout the day. -
100g (1/2 cup) Raisins
Raisins are a great source of iron, antioxidants, and natural sugars. They provide a natural sweetness and are rich in nutrients that help support the immune system and maintain healthy skin. -
80g (1/2 cup) Walnuts, chopped
Walnuts are packed with healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation. They also provide protein and various vitamins and minerals that support overall well-being. -
100g (1/2 cup) Dried Apricots, chopped
Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, boosting immunity, and regulating blood pressure. -
1 medium Ripe Banana, mashed
Bananas are a great source of potassium and provide natural sweetness. They help bind the ingredients together, ensuring the bars hold their shape when refrigerated.
For the Chocolate Topping:
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100g (3.5 oz) Dark Chocolate, chopped
Dark chocolate is not only delicious but also contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, that are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation. It also provides a rich, indulgent flavor to the bars. -
1 teaspoon Coconut Oil (for melting the chocolate)
Coconut oil is used to help melt the chocolate and give it a smooth, glossy texture. It also provides healthy fats and can improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Grease the pan: Start by greasing a 20×15 cm (8×6 inch) pan with coconut oil to ensure that the bars won’t stick. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oat flakes, raisins, walnuts, and dried apricots.
- Add the mashed banana: Add the mashed ripe banana to the mixture. The banana acts as a natural sweetener and also helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Stir well: Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the banana.
Step 3: Press the Mixture
- Transfer to the pan: Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it to the greased pan.
- Press down firmly: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly. This will help the bars stick together once they’re chilled, ensuring they don’t fall apart when cut.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- Microwave method: Place the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Stir until smooth: After the chocolate is melted, give it one final stir to ensure it’s completely smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Topping
- Pour the melted chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed oat mixture in the pan.
- Spread evenly: Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top of the bars. This will give the bars a smooth, rich chocolate layer that will set as it cools.
Step 6: Chill and Set
- Refrigerate: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate topping has set and the mixture has firmed up. The chilling process allows the bars to hold their shape and makes them easy to cut.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
- Cut the bars: Once the mixture is firm, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Serve: Enjoy these bars as a snack, a breakfast, or a dessert. They’re perfect for packing into lunchboxes or taking along on the go.
Cooking Tips
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for sugar-free dark chocolate for a healthier version of these bars. This will reduce the sugar content and enhance the bars’ natural flavors.
- Press Firmly: It’s important to press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure that the bars hold together when cut. If the mixture is too loose, the bars may crumble.
- Add Extra Flavors: You can experiment by adding other ingredients such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Make It Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
- Storage Tips: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Nutritional Benefits
Oats
Oats are an excellent source of fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol levels and supports healthy digestion. They also provide complex carbohydrates that offer sustained energy throughout the day.
Raisins
Raisins are a great source of iron, antioxidants, and natural sugars. They provide a natural sweetness and are rich in nutrients that help support the immune system and maintain healthy skin.
Walnuts
Walnuts are packed with healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation. They also provide protein and various vitamins and minerals that support overall well-being.
Apricots
Dried apricots are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, boosting immunity, and regulating blood pressure.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, that have been shown to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost cognitive function.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil provides healthy fats, which can help improve cholesterol levels and support brain function. It also has antimicrobial properties and can improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those who are gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet.
- Vegan-Friendly: The recipe contains no animal products, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy, you can replace the walnuts with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep the recipe nut-free.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and firm when chilled.
- Freezing: If you want to store the bars for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of nuts in the bars?
- Yes! You can substitute walnuts with almonds, cashews, or any other nuts you prefer. Just chop them to a similar size as the walnuts for consistency.
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Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried apricots and raisins?
- It’s best to use dried fruit in this recipe, as fresh fruit can release moisture and make the bars too soft. Dried fruit provides the right texture and sweetness.
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How can I make these bars sweeter?
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can drizzle a bit of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar over the oat mixture before pressing it into the pan.
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Can I add protein powder to the bars?
- Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to boost the protein content of the bars. Be sure to adjust the other ingredients to maintain the consistency of the mixture.
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How long can I store the bars?
- The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze well, so you can keep them for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Oat, Raisin, and Apricot Bars are an excellent way to enjoy a healthy, homemade snack that’s packed with nutrients. With simple ingredients, no baking required, and a rich combination of flavors and textures, they are perfect for anyone looking for a quick, convenient, and nutritious treat. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, breakfast, or pre-workout fuel, these bars will keep you energized and satisfied. Store them in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go snack whenever you need it!