0 Shares

These Raw Apricot + Ginger Energy Bars are the perfect plant-based snack, combining the natural sweetness of apricots with the warmth of ginger. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds, they provide a satisfying energy boost and are perfect for an on-the-go snack or post-workout fuel. No baking required, these bars are quick and easy to make, and the dark chocolate dip adds a decadent finish to these nutritious bars.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

200g (7oz) dried apricots, plus extra for decoration
4 tbsp maple syrup
100g (3.5oz) coconut oil
200g (7oz) oats
2 tbsp ground ginger
60g (2.1oz) hazelnuts
60g (2.1oz) pistachios
60g (2.1oz) pumpkin seeds
80g (2.8oz) dark chocolate

Directions

Soak the Apricots: Transfer the apricots to a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften, then drain and place them in a food processor with maple syrup and coconut oil. Process until smooth.
Add Oats and Ginger: Add oats and ground ginger to the food processor and pulse several times until mostly combined.
Add Nuts and Seeds: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Roughly chop the hazelnuts and pistachios and add them along with the pumpkin seeds to the bowl. Stir until fully mixed.
Press into Tin: Line a 7-inch square tin with baking paper and press the mixture into the tin, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Decorate with a few apricot pieces on top, pressing them gently into the mixture.
Chill the Bars: Refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the bars to set.
Dip in Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler. Dip the end of each bar into the melted chocolate and place on baking paper to cool.
Serve and Store: Once the chocolate has hardened, store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrients (Per bar)

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 2mg
Potassium: 180mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Vitamin A: 5% DV
Vitamin C: 5% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 6% DV

The Benefits of Plant-Based Ingredients

One of the standout features of Raw Apricot + Ginger Energy Bars is that they are made with entirely plant-based ingredients. This makes them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. The bars provide essential nutrients from whole foods, ensuring that you get both energy and health benefits with every bite.

The apricots in these bars are not only a source of natural sweetness but also provide a range of health benefits. Dried apricots are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, all of which contribute to maintaining healthy skin, supporting immune function, and regulating blood pressure. They are also a good source of fiber, which helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer.

In addition to apricots, oats play a key role in providing slow-releasing energy. Oats are a whole grain that contains soluble fiber, specifically beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. They are also rich in B vitamins, which help support energy metabolism, making them the perfect base for an energy bar.

The addition of nuts and seeds further enhances the nutritional value of these bars. Hazelnuts and pistachios provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium, while pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, iron, and protein. These ingredients work together to create a balanced snack that provides long-lasting energy without a sugar crash.

A Unique Flavor Combination: Apricot and Ginger

The flavor combination of apricot and ginger is what makes these energy bars so special. Apricots offer a natural sweetness and slightly tart flavor that complements the warmth of ginger. Ginger has long been used in cooking for its bold, aromatic flavor, but it also has a number of health benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it can help with digestion, reduce nausea, and even boost the immune system.

In these energy bars, the ginger is ground to a fine powder, which blends seamlessly into the oat and apricot mixture. The warmth of the ginger contrasts with the sweetness of the apricots, creating a dynamic flavor profile that makes these bars both satisfying and refreshing. This balance of sweet and spicy makes the bars stand out from other snacks, providing a unique flavor experience that is both comforting and energizing.

The No-Bake Convenience Factor

One of the most appealing aspects of Raw Apricot + Ginger Energy Bars is how easy they are to prepare. Unlike baked goods, these bars don’t require an oven, making them a great option for warm weather or busy days when you don’t want to spend time baking. The no-bake nature of the recipe makes it incredibly easy to whip up a batch of these bars in just a few minutes.

After blending the ingredients together, the mixture is simply pressed into a tin and refrigerated to set. This makes the bars an ideal choice for meal prep or quick snacks that can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. The lack of baking also helps preserve the nutritional integrity of the ingredients, ensuring that the vitamins and minerals in the apricots, oats, and nuts remain intact.

These bars are perfect for anyone looking for a healthy snack that doesn’t require much time or effort. Whether you’re preparing them for a busy week ahead or making a batch to share with friends and family, these energy bars are a quick and easy way to enjoy a homemade treat that’s both nutritious and delicious.

The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil and Dark Chocolate

While coconut oil and dark chocolate might seem like indulgent ingredients, they actually bring several health benefits when used in moderation. Coconut oil is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is easily absorbed by the body and converted into energy. MCTs have been shown to support weight loss, boost metabolism, and improve cognitive function. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthy fat option to include in a variety of recipes.

Dark chocolate, while rich in calories, contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health and better cognitive function. The high cocoa content in dark chocolate is what gives it its rich, slightly bitter flavor, and when used in moderation, it can provide a satisfying, guilt-free indulgence. Dark chocolate also contains small amounts of iron, magnesium, and fiber, adding a nutritional boost to these energy bars.

The combination of coconut oil and dark chocolate adds a layer of richness to the bars, making them feel more indulgent while still offering health benefits. The dark chocolate dip not only provides a decadent finish but also adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft, chewy texture of the bars.

Customization and Versatility

One of the reasons these Raw Apricot + Ginger Energy Bars are so versatile is their ability to be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. While the apricot and ginger combination is delicious on its own, you can easily adjust the flavors by adding other ingredients. For example, you could swap the apricots for other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or cherries for a different flavor profile. You could also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for added warmth and depth.

If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or drizzle honey over the bars for a touch of extra sweetness. For those who enjoy a bit more crunch, you can add extra nuts, seeds, or even some shredded coconut for texture. The options are endless, allowing you to make these energy bars truly your own.

These bars are also perfect for anyone looking to follow specific dietary needs. You can easily make them gluten-free by ensuring the oats are certified gluten-free, and they can be made nut-free by substituting the nuts with sunflower seeds or more pumpkin seeds. The vegan nature of the recipe makes it suitable for those following a plant-based diet, and you can adjust the sweetness to fit your preferences.

Storage and Shelf Life

Another benefit of Raw Apricot + Ginger Energy Bars is their excellent shelf life. Once the bars are set in the fridge, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The no-bake nature of the bars ensures that they don’t dry out or become stale quickly, making them perfect for meal prep or as a snack throughout the week. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage, allowing you to prepare a larger batch and keep them on hand for when you need a quick snack or energy boost.

These energy bars are an ideal on-the-go option, whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up. Their compact size and easy-to-store nature make them perfect for packing in lunchboxes, taking to the office, or carrying in your bag for a quick and healthy snack whenever hunger strikes.

Conclusion

Raw Apricot + Ginger Energy Bars are a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and wholesome ingredients. Made with dried apricots, oats, nuts, and seeds, they provide a delicious and nutritious energy boost without any baking required. The combination of apricots and ginger creates a unique and flavorful bar, while the addition of coconut oil and dark chocolate adds richness and a touch of indulgence. These bars are not only customizable and versatile but also quick and easy to make, making them an ideal choice for busy individuals or anyone looking for a plant-based snack that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Whether you’re enjoying them as an on-the-go snack, a post-workout treat, or a quick breakfast, these energy bars offer a healthy and delicious option that will keep you energized throughout the day. Their convenience, versatility, and nutrient-packed ingredients make them a great addition to your recipe collection, and once you try them, you’ll likely find yourself making them again and again.