Looking for a fast, healthy snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? These Sugar-Free Energy Bars are the perfect solution! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, raisins, walnuts, and dried apricots, these bars offer a natural energy boost without any added sugar. Plus, they’re ready in just 5 minutes, making them ideal for busy days or a quick post-workout refuel. With a rich coating of unsweetened dark chocolate, they’re as satisfying as they are healthy.
Ingredients:
Base:
- 3 ounces oats (about 85 grams)
- 3.5 ounces raisins (about 100 grams)
- 2.8 ounces walnuts (about 80 grams), chopped
- 3.5 ounces dried apricots (about 100 grams), chopped
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
Coating:
- 5.5 ounces unsweetened dark chocolate (about 155 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, raisins, chopped walnuts, and chopped dried apricots. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the mashed banana to the dry ingredients. Using a spoon or your hands, mix everything together until it forms a sticky, cohesive mixture.
- Shape the Bars:
- Line a small baking tray or a plate with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture onto the tray and press it down firmly with your hands or the back of a spoon to create an even layer, about 1/2 inch thick.
- If you prefer, you can shape the mixture into individual bars or bite-sized balls.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsweetened dark chocolate and the teaspoon of vegetable oil. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Bars:
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pressed oat mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure all the bars are evenly coated with chocolate.
- If you shaped the mixture into bars or balls, you can dip them into the melted chocolate to coat them.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has hardened.
- Once set, cut the mixture into bars or squares if you haven’t done so already.
- Serve and Store:
- Your sugar-free energy bars are now ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to a week.
Conclusion:
These Quick Sugar-Free Energy Bars are a fantastic way to fuel your day with natural, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack on the go or looking for a post-workout treat, these bars deliver the perfect balance of energy and nutrition. The combination of oats, fruits, and nuts provides sustained energy, while the rich dark chocolate adds a touch of indulgence without the guilt. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, proving that healthy snacks don’t have to be time-consuming. Enjoy the boost!