Fruity No-Bake Energy Bars

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Energize your day with these Fruity No-Bake Energy Bars, a delightful combination of natural sweetness and textures. Perfect for on-the-go snacks, pre-workout boosts, or healthy treats for kids, these energy bars are packed with wholesome ingredients. Let’s get started on these easy-to-make, delicious bars.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if necessary)
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup dates, pitted and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
  • 2 tablespoons flaxseeds, ground

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Tray: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish or tray with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars once set.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, and ground flaxseeds. Mix these dry ingredients until well distributed.
  3. Process Fruits: In a food processor, blend the dried apricots and dates until they form a sticky paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to help it along. This paste will act as a natural sweetener and binder for the bars.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Add the fruit paste and melted coconut oil to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly coated and the mixture sticks together when pressed.
  5. Press Into Tray: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon or your hands. Make sure the mixture is compacted to prevent the bars from crumbling when cut.
  6. Chill: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until the mixture is firm and set.
  7. Slice: Once set, lift the mixture out of the tray using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares, depending on your preference.
  8. Storage: Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be wrapped individually in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go snack.

Tips:

  • Feel free to add nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutritional value.
  • For a chocolate twist, consider melting some dark chocolate and drizzling it over the top of the bars before chilling.
  • If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more melted coconut oil. If too wet, add more oats or shredded coconut until the desired consistency is reached.

Enjoy your homemade Fruity No-Bake Energy Bars, a perfect snack for any time of day that provides a natural energy boost without the need for baking!