Are you tired of boring, bland health bars that taste like cardboard? Get ready to transform your snack game with these mouthwatering Healthy Cranberry Apricot Bars that are not just delicious, but packed with nutritious ingredients! Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while giving your body the wholesome goodness it craves. These bars are about to become your new obsession - quick to prepare, incredibly tasty, and so much healthier than store-bought alternatives!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Chop the dried apricots into small, uniform pieces. If using nuts, roughly chop them to add texture to the bars.
- Add the chopped dried cranberries and apricots to the dry ingredient mixture. Stir to distribute evenly throughout the oat mixture.
- Warm the honey or maple syrup slightly to make it more liquid and easier to mix. Pour the sweetener over the dry ingredients and mix until all ingredients are well-coated and begin to stick together.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown and the top looks set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Organic rolled oats and raw honey can elevate the taste.
- For extra crunch, toast your nuts before adding them to the mixture. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful texture.
- If you prefer a softer bar, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes. For a crispier texture, extend baking time slightly.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly and evenly in the pan to ensure the bars hold together well when cut.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and get clean, neat slices.
- Experiment with different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to find your perfect combination.
- Store bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
