No-Bake Apricot Chia Bars Recipe

Introduction

No-Bake Apricot Chia Bars are a simple and healthy snack packed with natural sweetness and crunch. Combining dried fruits, seeds, and white chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for on-the-go energy or a quick treat without any baking.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan with wax or parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place the dates, apricots, chia seeds, and cinnamon in a food processor. Process until the mixture forms a large, sticky mass.
3. Step 3: Break up the mixture slightly with a spatula. Add the pumpkin seeds (pepitas) to the food processor and pulse until small chunks remain.
4. Step 4: Break up the mixture again, then add the white chocolate chips. Pulse a few more times to slightly break and evenly distribute the chips.
5. Step 5: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan. For a smooth, even top, cover with more parchment paper and press another pan or use a glass to flatten completely.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes until firm. Slice into bars or squares and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture.
• Swap pumpkin seeds with almonds or walnuts for a different crunch and taste.
• Use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer chocolate presence.
• If you prefer softer bars, soak the dried apricots in warm water for 10 minutes before using.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To enjoy, allow frozen bars to thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits instead of apricots?

Yes, you can substitute dried apricots with dried figs, cranberries, or cherries. Just keep the quantity the same and adjust soaking time if needed for softer texture.

Are these bars gluten-free and vegan?

These bars are naturally gluten-free. To keep them vegan, use vegan white chocolate chips or omit the chocolate chips entirely.

No-Bake Apricot Chia Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 99 reviews

These No-Bake Apricot Chia Bars combine the natural sweetness of Medjool dates and dried apricots with crunchy pumpkin seeds and a hint of cinnamon. Enhanced with nutrient-packed chia seeds and white chocolate chips, these bars offer a delicious, wholesome snack that’s easy to prepare without any baking.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Fruit and Seeds

• 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Add-ins

• 2 Tablespoons white chocolate chips (use vegan if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the bars once set.
2. Process Fruit and Spices: In a food processor, combine the Medjool dates, dried apricots, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Process until the mixture clumps together to form a sticky, large mass.
3. Add Pumpkin Seeds: Using a spatula, slightly break up the mixture and add the raw pumpkin seeds to the food processor. Pulse a few times until small chunks of pumpkin seeds are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Incorporate White Chocolate Chips: Break up the mixture once more with the spatula, add the white chocolate chips, and pulse a few times to gently break and mix the chips evenly without completely pulverizing them.
5. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the lined pan. Cover the top with additional paper and press firmly using another pan or a glass rolling pin to flatten and compact the mixture evenly.
6. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pan for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
7. Slice and Serve: Once chilled and set, remove from the fridge and cut into bars or squares. Serve as a nutritious snack or on-the-go energy bite.

Notes

• Use vegan white chocolate chips to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Ensure dates and apricots are soft for easier processing; if dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before use.
• For added flavor, you can toast pumpkin seeds lightly before adding.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Optionally, replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.

Keywords: No-bake apricot chia bars, healthy snack bars, no-bake energy bars, vegan apricot bars, chia seed bars, pumpkin seed snack