With the holidays bringing an abundance of rich desserts and treats, I wanted a simple, no-fuss dessert bite that was healthier, didn’t require baking, and came together quickly. These Easy No-Bake Apricot Nut Bars are exactly that.
Built on a base of dates, dried apricots, almonds and almond butter, they’re naturally sweet, chewy and packed with good ingredients. I finished them with a crunchy flax cereal topping and extra chopped apricots for a pleasant contrast in texture — perfect when that afternoon sweet craving hits.
I found the crunchy flax cereal at my local Sprouts; you may also find similar products at other natural-food stores. It adds a great crunch, but if you can’t find it, substitute an equal amount of rolled oats. Ready to make them? It only takes a few straightforward steps.
In a food processor, pulse the dried apricots, dates, raw almonds, almond butter, honey and vanilla until the mixture breaks down and begins to stick together.
Add a splash of warm water if needed to help the ingredients bind. Then add the oats and a pinch of salt and pulse a few more times until everything is evenly combined.
Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle the top with the crunchy flax cereal and about 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dried apricots.
Cover with a second sheet of parchment and gently press with a rolling pin to form an even layer about the size of a 9″ x 9″ pan. Because the mixture is sticky, working between parchment sheets makes it much easier to shape.
Lift the parchment with the pressed mixture and transfer it into a square pan. Remove and discard the top sheet of parchment.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up, then slice into squares.
These bars are fruity, chewy and nutty, with the crunchy flax cereal providing a welcome contrast in texture. They make a nourishing snack or a portable treat for busy days.
Store the bars refrigerated so they keep their shape and stay fresh. They’re easy to portion and hard to resist — enjoy!
Easy No-Bake Apricot Nut Bars
16 servings
10
10
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup dates
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 4 tbsp almond butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup crunchy flax cereal
- Pinch of salt
- water, as needed
Instructions
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Pulse the apricots, dates, almonds, almond butter, honey and vanilla in a food processor until the mixture begins to come together.
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If needed, add a little warm water to help the ingredients bind. Add the oats and a pinch of salt, then pulse until evenly combined.
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Scoop the mixture onto parchment paper, top with crunchy flax cereal and 2 tablespoons of chopped apricots. Place another parchment sheet on top and press gently with a rolling pin to form a 9″ x 9″ square. Transfer to a square pan, remove the top parchment and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm. Slice into squares and serve.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 17g
| Protein: 3g
| Fat: 6g
| Sugar: 12g
The nutrition information is an estimate provided by an online calculator and should not replace professional advice.
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