No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pressed mixture for 30 to 45 minutes until firm.
- 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