Oatmeal Bars with Dried Apricots and Nuts: A Delicious and Healthy Snack

Oatmeal bars are one of the best snacks you can have when you're craving something healthy, filling, and tasty. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, these bars are perfect for any time of day. Whether you're looking for a wholesome breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a post-workout bite, oatmeal bars with dried apricots and nuts are a great choice.

The combination of oats, dried apricots, and nuts offers not only a wonderful texture but also a nutritional boost. Oats are high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion, while dried apricots provide natural sugars and a rich source of vitamins, especially vitamin A. Nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, add a crunchy element and are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.

These oatmeal bars are incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in advance for a week’s worth of snacks. If you’re looking for a way to make snack time healthier, this recipe is perfect for you!

Ingredients

To make these delicious oatmeal bars with dried apricots and nuts, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped into small pieces)
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, chopped)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter (for a rich texture)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (to add moisture and sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for a warm spice note)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for an extra boost of fiber)
• 1 egg (optional, to bind the ingredients together)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried apricots, and mixed nuts. If you are using chia seeds, add them to the dry ingredients as well. Add a pinch of salt and the cinnamon for a little extra flavor.

3. Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter (or almond butter), and applesauce together. You can also add the vanilla extract at this stage if you're using it. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated. If you want a richer texture, you can also beat an egg and add it to the mixture at this point to help bind the ingredients.

5. Transfer to the baking dish

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands. Make sure the mixture is compact so that it holds together after baking.

6. Bake

Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

7. Serve and enjoy

Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and enjoy! These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a convenient and healthy snack for the week ahead.

Variations and Tips

1. Use different dried fruits
While dried apricots are a key ingredient in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other dried fruits. Dried cranberries, raisins, or cherries can all be great additions that provide different flavors and textures.

2. Add seeds for extra crunch
For more crunch and nutritional benefits, consider adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to the bars. These seeds are full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making them a great addition to the recipe.

3. Vegan version
To make these bars completely vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also swap the peanut butter for a plant-based nut butter.

4. Increase the sweetness
If you prefer your oatmeal bars a bit sweeter, you can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup, or even add a little bit of coconut sugar. You can also mix in a few dark chocolate chips for a sweet treat.

5. Protein boost
For a protein-packed version, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture. This is a great way to make the bars even more filling and beneficial as a post-workout snack.

6. Gluten-free option
These oatmeal bars are naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Make sure the nut butter and other ingredients are also free from gluten if you're baking for someone with celiac disease.

Conclusion

These oatmeal bars with dried apricots and nuts are not only a great snack, but they also provide a wholesome and satisfying option for those looking to eat healthier. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, they are perfect for keeping you energized throughout the day. Plus, they are incredibly versatile and easy to customize to suit your preferences.

By making your own oatmeal bars at home, you can avoid the processed sugars and artificial ingredients found in many store-bought versions, making this recipe an excellent choice for a clean, natural snack. Whether you're heading to work, the gym, or just need a quick bite, these oatmeal bars will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Enjoy!