Description
Need a quick, healthy snack to fuel your day? These Sugar-Free Energy Bars are your perfect solution! Packed with oats, dried fruits, and walnuts, and topped with a decadent dark chocolate layer, these no-bake bars come together in just 5 minutes. Naturally sweetened with banana and raisins, they’re a guilt-free treat that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Perfect for busy mornings, post-workout refueling, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base:
- 3 ounces (about 85 grams) oats
- 3.5 ounces (about 100 grams) raisins
- 2.8 ounces (about 80 grams) walnuts, chopped
- 3.5 ounces (about 100 grams) dried apricots, chopped
- 1 banana, mashed
For the Coating:
- 5.5 ounces (about 155 grams) unsweetened dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, raisins, chopped walnuts, and chopped dried apricots.
- Add the mashed banana and mix until all the ingredients form a cohesive, sticky mixture.
2. Shape the Bars:
- Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
- Spread the mixture onto the tray, pressing it down firmly to create a flat, even layer about 1/2 inch thick.
- Shape the mixture into a rectangle or square, depending on how you want your bars to look.
3. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsweetened dark chocolate and vegetable oil.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate on the stovetop.
4. Coat the Bars:
- Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed base, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the top completely.
- Let the chocolate set for a few minutes at room temperature. To speed up the process, place the tray in the refrigerator.
5. Cut and Serve:
- Once the chocolate has set, use a sharp knife to cut the mixture into bars or squares of your preferred size.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy your sugar-free energy bars!
Notes
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing Option: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out the raisins and apricots for your favorite dried fruits, or use a mix of nuts and seeds instead of walnuts.
- Vegan Option: Ensure your dark chocolate is dairy-free to make this recipe completely vegan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Healthy