Apricot And Coconut Bars - DrNewMed Healthy Recipes for Healthy Eating

Apricot and Coconut Bars are quickly and easily made and are a great healthy option when you’re in need of an energy boost. These no-bake bars are free of refined sugar, are vegan and gluten-free. As well, they are made with ingredients which are easily found in the supermarket.

Ingredients

For the base

1 1/2 cups oats
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

For the apricot filling

2 cups dried apricots, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a food processor, blend the oats until they form a coarse flour-like consistency.
In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, almond flour, shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
While the base is cooling, prepare the apricot filling. In a food processor, blend the soaked apricots, water, lemon juice, and maple syrup until you get a smooth and thick paste.
Spread the apricot filling evenly over the cooled oat base.
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it set for at least 2-3 hours, or until the filling is firm.
Once the bars are set, carefully lift them out of the baking dish using the parchment paper as handles. Place them on a cutting board and slice into bars of your desired size.
Store the apricot and coconut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.