Print

Chewy Apricot Chia Bars

chewy apricot chia bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These chewy apricot chia bars are a healthy, make-ahead snack featuring a perfect balance of sweet and tart apricots combined with the satisfying chew of chia seeds. They are quick to prepare, naturally sweetened, and ideal for busy families or active lifestyles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried apricots, chopped (unsulfured preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds, soaked in 6 tablespoons water for 10 minutes
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
  • ½ cup creamy almond butter
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts, optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak the chia seeds: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water. Stir well and set aside for about 10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
  2. Prepare the apricots: Roughly chop 1 cup of dried apricots or pulse them in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup almond butter, ¼ cup honey or maple syrup, the soaked chia gel, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add 1 ½ cups rolled oats, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and the chopped apricots. If using, toss in ¼ cup chopped nuts. Mix thoroughly until the batter is sticky and holds together.
  5. Press into pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the pan with a spatula or clean hands.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges turn golden and the top feels set but still soft.
  7. Cool and slice: Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour). Lift parchment paper to remove and slice into 10-12 bars.

Notes

Soak chia seeds properly to form a gel for chewy texture. Press mixture firmly into pan to prevent crumbling. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Adjust moisture by adding almond milk if too dry or oats if too wet. Bars taste better after resting in fridge for a day or two. Can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free version. Fresh apricots can be used but reduce liquid or oats slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: apricot bars, chia seed bars, healthy snack, make-ahead snack, chewy bars, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/chewy-apricot-chia-bars-recipe-easy-healthy-make-ahead-snack/