Raw Apricot Ginger Energy Bars are not just a delicious snack; they are a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor that can elevate your day. As someone who loves to explore healthy alternatives, I find these energy bars to be a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them an irresistible treat. The combination of dried apricots and zesty ginger not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a natural energy boost, ideal for busy lifestyles.
Historically, apricots have been cherished in various cultures for their health benefits and delightful taste, while ginger has long been celebrated for its medicinal properties. This recipe pays homage to these ingredients, creating a snack that is both wholesome and satisfying. People adore Raw Apricot Ginger Energy Bars for their chewy texture and the convenience they offer—perfect for on-the-go snacking or a quick pick-me-up during the day. Join me in making these delightful bars that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional)
Preparing the Mixture
- Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- In a food processor, combine the chopped dried apricots and Medjool dates. Pulse them together until they form a sticky paste. This will be the base of our energy bars.
- Add the rolled oats to the food processor. Pulse a few times until the oats are well incorporated into the apricot-date mixture. You want to break them down slightly but not completely pulverize them.
- Next, add the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the mixture. These ingredients will help bind everything together and add a delicious flavor. Pulse again until everything is well combined.
- Now, it’s time to add the flavor boosters! Add the grated fresh ginger, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse a few more times until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- If you’re using chia seeds, add them now along with the chopped nuts. These will add a nice crunch and extra nutrition to your energy bars. Pulse a couple of times to mix them in without breaking them down too much.
Shaping the Bars
- Prepare an 8×8 inch (or similar size) baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they’re set.
- Transfer the mixture from the food processor into the lined baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the dish. Make sure to pack it tightly so that the bars hold together well.
- Once the mixture is evenly spread out, you can use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to smooth the top. This will give your energy bars a nice, polished look.
Chilling and Setting
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the bars to firm up and makes them easier to cut.
- After the chilling time is up, remove the dish from the refrigerator. Carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block of energy bar mixture from the dish.
- Place the block on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut it into bars or squares, depending on your preferred size. I usually cut them into 12 bars, but you can adjust the size to your liking.
Storing the Energy Bars
- Once cut, you can store the energy bars in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate the bars with parchment paper if you’re stacking them in a container to prevent sticking.
- If you’re planning to take them on the go, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This makes them easy to grab and enjoy whenever you need a quick energy boost!
Enjoying Your Energy Bars
- These Raw Apricot Ginger Energy Bars are perfect for a pre-workout snack, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or even a healthy dessert. The combination of sweet apricots, spicy ginger, and crunchy nuts makes for a delightful treat.
- Feel free to customize the recipe! You can swap out the dried apricots for other dried fruits like cranberries or figs, or change the nuts based
Conclusion:
In summary, these Raw Apricot Ginger Energy Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to boost their energy levels with a delicious and nutritious snack. The combination of sweet apricots and zesty ginger not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a wholesome source of energy that’s perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. Whether you’re heading to the gym, embarking on a hike, or simply need a pick-me-up during your busy day, these bars are the ideal solution. For serving suggestions, I love pairing these energy bars with a dollop of almond butter or a sprinkle of chia seeds for an extra nutritional punch. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or even a dash of cinnamon for a warm flavor twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the apricots for dried mango or cranberries to create your own unique version! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made your own batch of Raw Apricot Ginger Energy Bars, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s inspire each other to embrace healthier snacking options together! Print
Raw Apricot Ginger Energy Bars: A Healthy Snack Recipe for Boosting Energy
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
These Raw Apricot Ginger Energy Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack made with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. Easy to prepare and customizable, they provide a quick energy boost and can be adjusted for sweetness to suit your taste. Perfect for on-the-go snacking or a healthy dessert option!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, packed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always easier to have everything in front of you before you begin.
- In a food processor, combine the chopped dried apricots and pitted Medjool dates. Pulse them together until they form a sticky paste. This will be the base of our energy bars.
- Add the rolled oats to the food processor. Pulse a few times until the oats are broken down but still have some texture. You want them to blend well with the fruit mixture but not turn into flour.
- Next, toss in the chopped almonds and walnuts. These nuts will add a nice crunch to our bars. Pulse again until they are roughly chopped and mixed into the mixture.
- Now, add the unsweetened shredded coconut, grated fresh ginger, chia seeds, sea salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using). Pulse everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be sticky enough to hold together when pressed.
- Prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are set.
- Transfer the mixture from the food processor into the prepared baking dish. Using your hands or a spatula, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the dish. Make sure it’s compact; this will help the bars hold their shape.
- Once the mixture is pressed down, you can use the back of a measuring cup to smooth out the top for a nice finish.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or another piece of parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This will help the bars firm up and make them easier to cut.
- After the bars have chilled, remove them from the refrigerator. Lift the parchment paper out of the dish to transfer the entire block of mixture onto a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the block into rectangular bars or squares, depending on your preference. I usually aim for about 12 bars, but you can make them larger or smaller as you like.
- Once cut, you can wrap each bar individually in parchment paper or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for longer storage.
Notes
- Make sure your dried apricots and Medjool dates are fresh and soft. If they are too dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up before using.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for the bars to hold their shape. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes instead.
- For added flavor, consider experimenting with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- These bars are versatile, so feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes