These Dark Chocolate Apricot Breakfast Bars are the perfect snack for when you need a quick boost of energy. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, puffed rice, roasted almonds, dried apricots, and pumpkin seeds, these bars are both nutritious and delicious. The rich honey and corn syrup mixture helps bind everything together, while a dark chocolate drizzle adds a touch of indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a mid-day pick-me-up, these bars are easy to make and great for on-the-go!
Ingredients (for 12 bars):
- 1 cup (30 g) puffed rice cereal
- ½ cup (50 g) oats
- ½ cup (65 g) pumpkin seeds
- 1 â…“ cups (185 g) roasted almonds
- ½ cup (95 g) dried apricot, diced
- â…“ cup (80 g) corn syrup
- ½ cup (165 g) honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 bar dark chocolate, for melting and drizzling
Preparation:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the puffed rice cereal, oats, pumpkin seeds, roasted almonds, and diced dried apricot.
- Prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, heat the corn syrup and honey over medium heat until it reaches 260°F (126°C), using a candy thermometer to check the temperature. Once it reaches the desired heat, carefully add the vanilla extract and remove the mixture from the heat.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Immediately pour the hot honey mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir quickly to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Press into a pan: Transfer the mixture to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Using a spatula, press the mixture down to your desired thickness. Be cautious, as the mixture may still be warm!
- Refrigerate: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the bars to set.
- Melt the chocolate: Heat the dark chocolate bar in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute or until fully melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled bars.
- Chill again: Return the bars to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Cut and store: Once the bars are firm, remove the parchment paper and cut the mixture into 12 even bars. Wrap each bar in wax paper and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Conclusion:
These No-Bake Almond Apricot Energy Bars are a fantastic homemade snack option, packed with flavor and nutrients. With a perfect combination of crunch, chewiness, and a hint of sweetness from the honey and dark chocolate, they’re a great addition to your snack rotation. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or packing them for a hike or road trip, these bars are sure to keep you energized and satisfied. Enjoy!