No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars Recipe

Introduction

These no-bake apricot chia energy bars are a quick and nutritious snack perfect for busy days. Packed with natural sweetness from dates and apricots, combined with crunchy pumpkin seeds and a hint of cinnamon, they offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (use vegan if desired)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan with wax or parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place dates, apricots, chia seeds, and cinnamon in a food processor and process until the mixture forms a large, sticky mass.
3. Step 3: Use a spatula to break up the mixture slightly, then add the pumpkin seeds and pulse until small chunks of seeds remain.
4. Step 4: Break up the mixture again, add the white chocolate chips, and pulse a few times to distribute the chips without fully breaking them down.
5. Step 5: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan. For an even top, cover with more parchment paper and press down with another pan or use a glass to flatten completely.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes to set, then slice into bars or squares and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, swap pumpkin seeds with chopped almonds or walnuts.
• To make the bars vegan, use plant-based white chocolate chips or omit them entirely.
• If dates are too sticky, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before processing can help.
• Add a pinch of sea salt for enhanced flavor contrast.

Storage

Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before eating. No reheating is needed; these bars are ideal chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different dried fruit instead of apricots?

Yes, dried figs, dates, or cranberries can be used as alternatives, but this may slightly change the flavor and texture.

Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these bars safe for those avoiding gluten.

No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

These No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars are a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make snack that combines dates, dried apricots, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds for a perfect energy boost. With the subtle sweetness of white chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are great for on-the-go snacking or a quick pick-me-up.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (use vegan if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan with wax paper or parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Process Base Ingredients: Place the pitted dates, dried apricots, chia seeds, and cinnamon in a food processor. Process until the mixture comes together to form a thick, sticky mass.
3. Add Pumpkin Seeds: Using a spatula, break up the mixture slightly, then add the raw pumpkin seeds to the food processor. Pulse a few times until the pumpkin seeds are broken into small chunks and evenly incorporated.
4. Incorporate White Chocolate Chips: Break up the mixture again, then add the white chocolate chips. Pulse a few times just to slightly break and distribute them evenly, ensuring the chips remain in small pieces.
5. Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use the paper liner and press down firmly, optionally placing an equal-sized pan on top and rolling with a glass to flatten completely for an even surface.
6. Chill: Refrigerate the pressed mixture for 30 to 45 minutes until firm.
7. Slice and Serve: Remove from the fridge and slice into bars or squares. Store bars in the fridge to keep fresh.

Notes

• Use Medjool dates for natural sweetness and binding; other dates can be substituted but may alter texture.
• Feel free to substitute white chocolate chips with vegan versions or dark chocolate chips if preferred.
• For nut-free option, ensure pumpkin seeds and all ingredients are processed and packed separately from nuts.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• You can freeze the bars for longer storage; thaw before eating.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

Keywords: no-bake bars, apricot energy bars, chia seed bars, healthy snack, gluten free snack, pumpkin seed bars, vegan option, easy no bake dessert