These Super Healthy Banana Apricot Date Oat Bars are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and nutritious. The bananas and dates provide natural sweetness, while the apricots add a delightful tang. The oats and chia seeds make them filling, providing energy and fiber, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a post-workout treat.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What’s even better is how versatile these bars are. You can easily swap in your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or seeds to make them your own. They’re a great way to fuel your day, whether you’re on the go or need a quick pick-me-up. They’re naturally sweet, satisfying, and completely wholesome.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1/4 cup desiccated coconut
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1/4 cup ground almonds
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1/4 cup chia seeds
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1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
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1/4 cup pitted dates, chopped
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, desiccated coconut, ground almonds, chia seeds, dried apricots, and chopped dates.
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In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas and add the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
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Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 145 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
The Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients
One of the best parts of these Super Healthy Banana Apricot Date Oat Bars is that they are made with whole, unprocessed ingredients. In today’s world, where many packaged snacks are full of preservatives and artificial additives, these bars offer a healthy alternative. The bananas provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar. Similarly, dates act as a natural sweetener, helping to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way.
Oats, the primary base of these bars, are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. This makes these bars a great option for people who are looking to maintain or lose weight while ensuring they don’t feel deprived of tasty snacks. Additionally, oats are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health.
Chia seeds, another key ingredient, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, making them an excellent addition to your diet. Chia seeds help promote heart health, support digestion, and provide sustained energy throughout the day. This makes the banana apricot date oat bars not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrition.
Why These Bars Are Great for Busy Lifestyles
In today’s fast-paced world, people are always on the go, and finding healthy snack options can often feel like a challenge. These Super Healthy Banana Apricot Date Oat Bars are the perfect solution for those looking for an easy, nutritious snack that doesn’t require a lot of preparation. They’re easy to make in advance, and once they’re baked, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring that you always have a healthy snack available when hunger strikes.
These bars are ideal for busy mornings when you don’t have time to sit down for a full meal. Simply grab one on your way out the door, and you’ve got a filling snack that will keep you energized until your next meal. They’re also great for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up when you need something to tide you over between lunch and dinner.
Additionally, they’re the perfect post-workout snack. After a workout, your body needs protein and carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores and repair muscles. The combination of oats, chia seeds, and natural sugars from the fruits in these bars makes them an excellent choice for this purpose.
Customization Options for Your Banana Apricot Date Oat Bars
One of the most appealing aspects of these bars is their versatility. While the combination of bananas, apricots, and dates makes for a perfectly balanced flavor, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for how you can make these bars your own:
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Add Nuts and Seeds: You can include your favorite nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans to give the bars an extra crunch. Seeds like pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds can also be added for additional nutritional benefits, such as extra protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
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Swap Fruits: While apricots and dates provide a great flavor combination, you can experiment with different dried fruits. Try swapping the apricots for dried cherries or cranberries, or the dates for raisins or figs. Fresh fruits like blueberries or strawberries can also be added, but be mindful of the moisture content, as fresh fruits may alter the texture of the bars.
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Sweeteners: If you prefer to avoid honey or maple syrup, you can substitute with agave nectar, coconut sugar, or stevia. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener depending on your preference for sweetness. The natural sweetness of the bananas and dates is often enough to make the bars perfectly sweet without additional sugar.
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Make it Vegan: If you’re following a vegan diet, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. This keeps the bars plant-based while still retaining their sweet flavor.
How to Store Your Banana Apricot Date Oat Bars
Proper storage is key to ensuring your Super Healthy Banana Apricot Date Oat Bars stay fresh for as long as possible. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely before storing them. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay good for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. These bars can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy them, just take one out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, or warm it up in the microwave for a quick snack.
Conclusion
Super Healthy Banana Apricot Date Oat Bars are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a nutritious and delicious snack. They provide a perfect balance of natural sweetness, fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them a great option for breakfast, snacks, or even post-workout recovery. With the ability to customize the recipe based on your tastes or dietary needs, these bars are versatile and easy to make. Plus, they store well, so you can have a healthy snack on hand whenever you need it.
By making these bars yourself, you can avoid the artificial ingredients and excessive sugar found in many store-bought snack bars. The natural ingredients in these Super Healthy Banana Apricot Date Oat Bars are not only delicious but also provide numerous health benefits. So, the next time you’re craving a sweet snack, reach for one of these bars. They’re a perfect way to fuel your body and satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on health.