Indulgent Goodness: Homemade Sugar-Free Energy Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (80g) rolled oats
• 3/4 cup (100g) raisins
• 3/4 cup (80g) walnuts, roughly chopped
• 100g (3.5 oz) dried apricots, chopped
• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
• 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (without added sugar), chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or oil of your choice)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, raisins, walnuts, and dried apricots.
2. Stir in the mashed banana until everything is well mixed and the mixture starts to stick together.

Form the Bars:

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly into an even layer to help the bars stick together after baking.

Bake:

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping:

1. While the bars are baking, melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil. You can do this in a microwave in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between, or use a double boiler on the stove.

Add Chocolate Layer:

1. Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and while still warm, pour the melted chocolate over the top, spreading it out to cover the surface evenly.

Refrigerate:

1. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, then place the bars in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up the chocolate and make the bars easier to cut.

Cut and Serve:

1. Once chilled, remove the bars from the refrigerator and lift them out of the dish using the edges of the parchment paper.
2. Cut into desired sizes and shapes.

Storage:

1. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be wrapped individually for on-the-go snacks.

Tips:

• Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and proper binding.
• Customize with your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
• Toast oats and nuts for a crunchier texture if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy these Homemade Sugar-Free Energy Bars as a quick breakfast option, a midday snack, or a post-workout refuel. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a satisfying treat.

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the banana is ripe for natural sweetness and better binding of the ingredients.
• Customize the bars with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to create cohesive bars.