Oat bars with dried fruits and seeds – Vegetarian

These are my homemade oat bars with dried fruits and seeds: a wholesome snack that’s packed with energy and goodness.

They’ve got oats for fibre, a mix of tahini, honey, and eggs to bind everything together, and loads of texture from pumpkin seeds, cranberries, dates, and dried apricots. I’ve also added a few almond flakes for the subtle taste that almonds have and finished them with a drizzle of chocolate to make them extra special.

They’re perfect for a quick snack, a picnic, or a little boost before a workout. They are full of flavour, vitamins, and just the right touch of sweetness.

Ingredients: (for ~ 16 bars – my tray was 11 × 30 cm)

• 40 g pumpkin seeds
• 20 g almond flakes
• 40 g dried apricots, finely chopped
• 40 g cranberries
• 80 g dates, finely chopped
• 100 g chocolate
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 50 g tahini
• 50 g pecan nuts
• 2 eggs
• 150 g oats
• 40 g chia seeds

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and let it heat up.

In a blender, add the dates along with 15 ml of warm water and blend until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix well to evenly distribute everything.

Then add the blended dates and the rest of the ingredients, except for the chocolate.

Use a wooden spoon and then your hands to mix everything until the ingredients are evenly combined and well distributed.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the tray, then use a spatula or the back of a wooden spoon to spread it out evenly and press it down firmly so it’s nicely compact.

Bake for about 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Once cooled, use a serrated knife to cut the mixture into even bars, about 1.5 cm thick.

Melt the chocolate and drizzle it generously over the top.

Place the bars in the fridge and let them chill until the chocolate has fully set.

You can store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, or keep them outside of the fridge on a platter with a dome lid or even in a cookie jar if you prefer.

They’re delicious, nourishing, and perfect anytime you need a quick bite.

These are healthy snacks packed with fibre and energy. Ideal in the morning, at lunch, between meals, or after a workout, these little bars are wonderfully tasty and give you just the right boost to keep you going.

If you try the recipe, let me know how you liked it! 😊

*All photos and texts are the exclusive property of AndreeaCooks.com. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without prior written consent and is subject to legal action under applicable copyright laws.