Energy bars are great to have because you never know when hunger will strike. Not only are these bars very easy to make, but they are convenient for on-the-go snacking. The simple ingredient list is another plus because most energy bars contain added sugars, preservatives, and dyes. These bars provide you with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals! That’s because these bars include dried apricots, raw cashews, hemp seeds, desiccated coconut, and coconut oil.
The big debate is whether or not energy bars such as these can actually provide you with energy. Yes, is the simple answer. The reason for that is because energy bars typically contain an easily digestible carbohydrate, such as dried fruit, which break down quickly for immediate energy. Energy bars also contain nuts and/or seeds, which provide a mixture of health fats, protein, and carbs, all of which help boost energy levels. An important thing to consider when consuming energy bars, though, is to enjoy them when you need them. Ideally, consume these energy bars before a workout, in the middle of a busy day, or first thing in the morning. Consuming bars later at night won’t do your body good.
When it comes to buying dried apricots, or dried fruit in general, we encourage you to buy unsulfured, unsweetened varieties. Dried apricots that contain sulfuric acid, preservatives, and added sugars, are orange and extra juicy. The ones without those same ingredients are often a bit chewier and more brown. Those are the ones you want if you are cleansing. If you aren’t cleansing, then you can choose your own destiny, but know that unsulfured dried fruits are better for your health.
- Prep Time:10m
- Total Time:10m
- Serves: 8 servings
- Category: Full Body Cleanse Approved, Appetizers & Snacks, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 c raw cashews
- 1/4 c hemp seeds
- 1 1/2 c desiccated coconut
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
- 2 c dried apricots (unsulfured)
- 2 -3 tablespoons grade A maple syrup
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 -2 tablespoons water (if needed)
Instructions
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Add the cashews, hemp seeds, desiccated coconut, and sea salt to a food processor and pulse for about 10 seconds. The mixture should be crumbly.
- Add the dried apricots, maple syrup, and coconut oil to the processor and blend for about 30 seconds to one minute, stopping to scrape down the sides before blending to fully incorporate the ingredients. The mixture should start to clump together.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking pan lined with parchment paper and press firmly into a smooth, even layer. Score the mixture into eight even bars/squares so that you can cut it more easily once the bars harden.
- Place the pan in the freezer for about an hour, complete the cuts to create the bars, and then enjoy.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to one week on the countertop, two weeks in the fridge, or three months in the freezer.
