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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
