No-Bake Apricot Chia Bars Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pan for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
- 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