Description
These Cozy Apricot Chia Bars are a wholesome, naturally sweetened snack perfect for breakfast or on-the-go energy. Packed with dried apricots, chia seeds, and oats, these bars offer a delightful balance of chewy texture and gentle sweetness, with a subtle vanilla aroma. Easy to make and bake, they’re a nourishing treat suitable for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried apricots, chia seeds, rolled oats, honey (or maple syrup), and salt. Stir these together to distribute everything evenly.
- Add wet ingredients and combine: Pour in the water and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together.
- Spread mixture into baking dish: Evenly spread the wet-dry mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to compact the mixture for cohesive bars.
- Bake until set: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are firm to the touch and lightly golden on top.
- Cool before cutting: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the baked mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 16 equal bars to serve.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Make sure to cool the bars completely to ensure they hold together well when cut.
- Store bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- You can add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
- These bars make a great pre- or post-workout snack.
