Sugar-Free Energy Bars in 5 Minutes
🥜🍫 A tasty, nutritious, and easy-to-make snack packed with natural sweetness and energy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (80g) rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (100g) raisins
- 3/4 cup (80g) walnuts, roughly chopped
- 100g (3.5 oz) dried apricots, chopped
- 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
- 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (without added sugar), chopped
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or oil of your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, mix the oats, raisins, chopped walnuts, and dried apricots.
- Add banana: Mash the ripe banana well and add it to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. The banana acts as a natural binder.
- Shape & press: Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the dish to form a compact layer.
- Bake or chill: You can either:
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes for a slightly crispy texture.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours if you prefer a no-bake version.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave or over a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- Coat the bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the set mixture, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Cool & slice: Let the bars chill in the fridge until the chocolate hardens. Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
✔️ Want extra crunch? Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition.
✔️ Nut-free option: Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
✔️ Other sweeteners: If you prefer, replace banana with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or date paste.
✔️ Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Info (Per Bar, Approx.)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fats: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
Health Benefits 🌿
✅ Natural Energy Boost – Perfect pre/post-workout snack
✅ Refined Sugar-Free – Naturally sweet from fruit
✅ Rich in Fiber & Healthy Fats – Supports digestion & heart health
✅ Easy to Customize – Add nuts, seeds, or protein powder for variety
Q/A
Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of apricots?
A: Yes! Dates, figs, or dried cranberries work well.
Q: How can I make them more protein-rich?
A: Add 1-2 scoops of your favorite protein powder to the mix.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate topping?
A: Absolutely! They taste great even without it, but the chocolate adds a delicious finishing touch.
💡 Make these once, and you’ll always have a healthy snack on hand! Let me know how yours turn out! 😊🍫