No-Bake Healthy Energy Snack Bars

Indulge in a guilt-free treat with these No-Bake Healthy Energy Snack Bars. Loaded with nutritious ingredients and free from sugar, flour, and eggs, these bars are the perfect energy-boosting dessert or snack. They’re easy to make and are bound to become a staple in your healthy eating routine. Here’s how to whip them up:

Ingredients:

  • 200g (7 ounces) oat flakes
  • 40g (1.4 oz) coconut flakes
  • 40g (1.4 ounces) sunflower seeds
  • Ground ginger, to taste
  • 30g (1 ounce) pecans, chopped
  • 50g (1.7 oz) peanuts
  • 100g (3.5 oz) dried apricots, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey (use maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
  • 60g (2 oz) dark chocolate, sugar-free
  • 50g (1.7 ounces) mixture of nuts and berries for decoration (e.g., almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, raisins)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Base: In a large bowl, mix together oat flakes, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, a pinch of ground ginger (adjust according to your preference), chopped pecans, peanuts, and dried apricots until well combined.
  2. Bind the Ingredients: Warm the honey (or maple syrup) in a small pan over low heat until it becomes runny. Pour it over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and starts to stick together.
  3. Form the Bars: Line a baking tray or a large dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the tray and press it down firmly into an even layer, about ½ inch thick. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands to make sure the mixture is compact and smooth on top.
  4. Chill: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up. This chilling time helps the bars to set and makes them easier to cut.
  5. Melt the Chocolate: While the bars are chilling, melt the sugar-free dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst until smooth.
  6. Decorate: Once the mixture has set, remove it from the fridge. Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the top and sprinkle with your chosen mix of nuts and berries for decoration.
  7. Cut into Bars: Let the chocolate set slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the mixture into bars or squares, depending on your preference.
  8. Store: Keep the snack bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to a week.

Enjoy these No-Bake Healthy Energy Snack Bars as a delicious and nutritious snack that’ll give you a boost without the guilt. Perfect for on-the-go snacking, after workouts, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up!