I’ve perfected this energy bar recipe through countless iterations, seeking the perfect balance of natural sweetness and nutrition. These bars pack the energy of traditional snacks without any added sugar, relying instead on nature’s own sweeteners like fruits and dark chocolate. They’re perfect for busy mornings, pre-workout fuel, or afternoon pick-me-ups.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 80g (2.8 oz) rolled oat flakes
- 100g (3.5 oz) raisins
- 80g (2.8 oz) walnuts
- 100g (3.5 oz) dried apricots
- 1 ripe banana (about 120g/4.2 oz)
For the Coating
- 160g (5.6 oz) sugar-free dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture
- Process the dry ingredients:
- Roughly chop walnuts
- Dice dried apricots
- Combine with oat flakes and raisins
- Prepare the banana:
- Peel and mash thoroughly
- Ensure no large chunks remain
- Combine ingredients:
- Mix dry ingredients with mashed banana
- Stir until well combined
- Mixture should be sticky but moldable
2. Form the Bars
- Line a 25×15 cm (10×6 inch) pan with parchment
- Press mixture firmly into pan
- Ensure even thickness throughout
- Compress well to prevent crumbling
3. Baking Process
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden
- Edges should be slightly crispy
- Center should remain slightly chewy
4. Chocolate Coating
- Prepare chocolate:
- Chop dark chocolate finely
- Place in microwave-safe bowl
- Add vegetable oil
- Melt chocolate:
- Microwave in 30-second intervals
- Stir between intervals
- Continue until completely smooth
5. Final Assembly
- Remove bars from oven
- Cool for 10 minutes
- Pour melted chocolate over top
- Spread evenly
- Refrigerate 40 minutes
Recipe Notes
- Choose ripe bananas for natural sweetness
- Ensure all dried fruit is fresh and moist
- Press mixture firmly to prevent crumbling
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate up to 1 week
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Store with parchment between layers
- Keep in airtight container
Nutritional Information
Per bar (recipe makes 12 bars):
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Natural Sugars: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 2.5g
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 235mg
Time Requirements
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Setting Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
Variations
Nut Alternatives
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Macadamia nuts
- Mixed nuts
Dried Fruit Options
- Dates
- Cranberries
- Figs
- Goji berries
Pro Tips
- Toast oats beforehand for nuttier flavor
- Use room temperature banana for better mixing
- Line pan with overhanging parchment
- Cut bars while slightly chilled
- Store individually wrapped for grab-and-go
These energy bars are perfect for:
- Pre-workout energy
- School/work snacks
- Hiking fuel
- Post-exercise recovery
- Healthy dessert alternative
The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity and versatility. They provide sustained energy without the sugar crash, making them ideal for active lifestyles and health-conscious snackers.
