Nutty Apricot Oat Bars
These homemade Nutty Apricot Oat Bars are a deliciously wholesome treat, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or outdoor adventures. Packed with rolled oats, crunchy sunflower seeds, and natural sweetness from honey and dried apricots, these bars are loaded with nutrients and flavor. They're low in fat and quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals and families. Enjoy these bars as a guilt-free snack on the go or a tasty addition to your camping meals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rolled oats
1 cup (uncooked)
Rice Krispies
1 cup (uncooked)
Chopped apricot
2/3 cup (dried)
Roasted sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
Toasted coconut
1/4 cup (shredded)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Honey
3 tablespoons (none)
Peanut butter
2 tablespoons (creamy or crunchy)
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the vegetable oil, honey, and peanut butter. Heat in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or until the mixture is warm and easy to stir.
3
Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, Rice Krispies, chopped apricots, sunflower seeds, toasted coconut, and brown sugar.
5
Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
6
Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray (like Pam).
7
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly using the back of a spatula or your hands to create an even layer.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Apricot Oat Bars?
Nutty Apricot Oat Bars are a wholesome snack made from rolled oats, Rice Krispies, dried apricots, and sunflower seeds, bonded together with honey and peanut butter.
Are these bars considered a healthy snack?
Yes, these bars are nutrient-dense, low in fat, and contain natural ingredients like oats and seeds.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can use quick oats, but the texture will be softer and less chewy than if you use rolled oats.
What can I substitute for peanut butter if I have an allergy?
Sunflower seed butter or almond butter are excellent substitutes for peanut butter in this recipe.
Is there a vegan alternative for honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make these bars vegan.
How many bars does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 16 square bars when using an 8-inch square pan.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long do the bars need to bake?
The bars should bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Can I use different types of dried fruit?
Yes, you can substitute apricots with dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates.
How should I store these oat bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can these bars be frozen for later use?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap.
Are Nutty Apricot Oat Bars low in fat?
Yes, they are described as a low-fat snack option compared to traditional store-bought granola bars.
What size baking pan is required?
An 8-inch square baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the pan before baking?
Yes, you should spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I omit the toasted coconut?
Yes, if you do not like coconut, you can omit it or replace it with more oats or seeds.
Why do I need to microwave the oil, honey, and peanut butter?
Heating these ingredients for 20 seconds makes them warm and easier to stir into the dry ingredients.
What if I do not have Rice Krispies?
You can substitute them with any puffed rice cereal or add an extra cup of oats for a denser bar.
Are these bars suitable for camping or hiking?
Absolutely, they are portable, energy-dense, and make for a great outdoor snack.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled slightly so they do not melt.
Why must the bars cool completely before cutting?
Cooling allows the bars to set and firm up, which prevents them from crumbling when sliced.
Can I use salted sunflower seeds?
The recipe calls for unsalted, but salted seeds can be used if you prefer a sweet and salty flavor profile.
Is the brown sugar necessary?
Brown sugar helps with the binding process and provides a deeper sweetness and texture.
How can I make the bars crunchier?
Bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are a deeper golden color, then let them cool thoroughly.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, melted butter can be used as a 1:1 substitute for vegetable oil for a richer taste.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is one square, assuming the pan is cut into 16 equal pieces.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They are gluten-free only if you use certified gluten-free oats and Rice Krispies cereal.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a 9x13 inch pan.
How do I ensure the bars do not fall apart?
Press the mixture down very firmly into the pan using a spatula or your hands before baking.
Can children help make these bars?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly recipe that involves simple tasks like stirring and pressing the mixture.
What provides the sweetness in these bars?
The sweetness comes from a combination of honey, brown sugar, and dried apricots.