Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (2024)

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Jun 18, 2019 Jun 21, 2023

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When you need a road trip or after-school snack for kids and adults, you can’t go wrong with homemade energy bars. These Apricot Chia Bars are sweet, chewy, and have only six ingredients. Plus this recipe is gluten-free, vegan, peanut- and tree nut-free making them the perfect allergy-safe and healthy no-bake snacks to pack in a lunch box for school or camp.

Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (2)

Table of Contents

  • The Best Homemade Energy Bars
  • Energy Bar Ingredients
  • How to Make Homemade Energy Bars
  • Storing Apricot Chia Bars
  • Tips for Success
  • More energy bar recipes
  • Shop the Recipe
  • Get the Recipe

The Best Homemade Energy Bars

Fast, easy, and healthy, snack bars are portable and packable. It’s also great to keep them in the fridge for when the afternoon hunger pangs start. But what are the keys to perfect homemade energy bars?

Keep the ingredient list short, simple, and nutrient dense. Make them easy to prepare and relatively mess-free to grab on the go. And, if course, they have to be delicious!

These Apricot Chia Energy Bars tick all of those boxes. They are sweet and tangy with just a hint of crunch. You just have to grab the six ingredients, your food processor, and a pan. And all you have to do is pulse everything together, press it into a pan, chill, and cut into squares.

In no time you’ll be ready to calm the kiddos, whether you toss them into the back seat during a road trip or when they run in the house after school saying they are starving!

Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (3)

Energy Bar Ingredients

Yes, you only need 6 ingredients to make these easy no-bake bars! Be sure to read the labels for cross-contamination risks so that you can ensure they are gluten free, if needed. And you can also make them without nuts or dairy, too!

  • Dried dates – provide the sweetness and sticky factor to keep the bars together.
  • Dried apricots – the tangy flavor keeps these sweet bars from being too sweet.
  • Pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds) – add crunch and protein but keep these bars peanut-free and nut-free.
  • Cinnamon – adds a hint of warm spice.
  • Chia seeds – most of the time you see chia in overnight oats like Hummingbird Cake Overnight Oatsor smoothies or chia pudding where it swells up and gets gel-ish, but here it’s like little bits of crunch. Plus, superfoods for the win!
  • White chocolate chips – provide a creamy bit to balance the fruit, but if you don’t want the added sugar (though it is only a bit), you could leave them out.
Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (4)

How to Make Homemade Energy Bars

These healthy snack bars come together in no time.

Make the mixture: Combine the dried fruit, cinnamon, and chia seeds in a food processor and pulse until it forms almost a thick paste, but where you can still see individual bits of each of the separate ingredients. You might need to stop the processor a few times to scrape it down with a spatula.

Add the seeds and chips: Add the pepitas and pulse a few times tp incorporate them, followed by the white chocolate. Only pulled a couple of times to mix it in so the chocolate doesn’t melt.

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Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (6)
Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (7)

Press into the pan. Transfer the mixture to a square pan lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Press it down firmly.

Cool and cut. Refrigerate until firm before cutting into squares.

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Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (9)
Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (10)

Storing Apricot Chia Bars

Transfer your bars to a container with a lid and seal them well. They will keep at room temperature for several days, and a couple of weeks in the refrigerator. You can even individually wrap them or place them in plastic baggies and freeze them for up to two months. Pull out as many as you need the night before, or pop a frozen bar into a lunchbox – it’ll thaw by lunchtime!

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Tips for Success

  • Get the kids involved. They are so quick and easy that the kids can definitely help you make them. They can measure out the ingredients and dump them into the food processor – keep their fingers away when you are pulsing it. Then let the kids press it into the pan.
  • Don’t over-process. You want to leave some texture, which is why I like to add the pumpkin seeds after getting the dried fruit worked into apaste. Also, you don’t want to run the food processor too long after adding the chocolate because the warmth it generates will melt it.
  • Line the pan. You’ll need a layer of wax or parchment paper or even plastic wrap to be able to lift the bars out of the pan.
  • Try the double pan trick. One thing I do every time is to use another pan of the same size and place it on top to press the mixture tightly into the pan. That packs it in tightly and gives it a nice, even surface.
  • Make variations. You can use roughly the same ratio of dried fruits, seeds, and mix-ins to make all kinds of homemade energy bars with your favorite flavor combinations.

More energy bar recipes

  • Mango Coconut Energy Bars bring in the tropical flavors.
  • Cherry Lime Energy Bars are sweet and tangy.
  • Cherry Chocolate Energy Bars combine two amazing flavors into one snack bar.
  • Caramel Banana Energy Bars taste totally ooey gooey, but are still good for you.
  • Banana Nut Energy Bars are a no-bake way to enjoy the flavor of banana bread.
Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (12)

Shop the Recipe

Brianne Recommends

FOOD PROCESSOR: I use the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor.

MINI SPATULAS: These are my favorite for getting into nooks and crannies.

SQUARE PANS: Remember, I like to have two so I can use one to press down the bars that are in the other one.

PARCHMENT PAPER: Don’t forget to line your pan so you can get the bars out easily.

    Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (17)

    4.8 from 31 votes

    No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars

    It only takes minutes to make this sweet and chewy snack with just a bit of crunch. Perfectly portable, plus they are gluten free, vegan, and nut-free.

    Prep: 10 minutes mins

    Cook: 30 minutes mins

    Chilling Time 30 minutes mins

    Total: 40 minutes mins

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Line a 8×8 or 9×9 square pan with wax or paper.

    • Place dates, apricots, chia seeds and cinnamon in a food processor, and process until the mixture forms a large mass.

    • Break up slightly with a spatula, add pepitas to the mixture in the food processor, and pulse until there are small chunks of pepitas.

    • Break up the mixture one more time, add white chocolate chips and pulse a few times to slightly break and distribute the chips.

    • Press the mixture into the prepared pan. You can cover the top with more paper and press an equal sized pan to roll the top with a glass to flatten completely.

    • Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, then slice into bars or squares.

    Nutrition Facts

    No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars

    Amount Per Serving (1 bar)

    Calories 84Calories from Fat 27

    % Daily Value*

    Fat 3g5%

    Sodium 3mg0%

    Potassium 202mg6%

    Carbohydrates 14g5%

    Fiber 1g4%

    Sugar 11g12%

    Protein 2g4%

    Vitamin A 305IU6%

    Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

    Calcium 25mg3%

    Iron 0.8mg4%

    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

    Course: Snack

    Cuisine: American

    Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (18)

    Did you make this?

    Leave a rating below and tag @cupcakesandkalechips on Instagram and hashtag it #cupcakesandkalechips

    Leave a Rating Instagram Pin Recipe

    Categories:

    • Gluten Free
    • Snacks
    • Sweet
    Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (2024)

    FAQs

    Are chia seed bars good for you? ›

    Ounce for ounce chia has more protein than an egg, more omega-3s than salmon, more fiber than flax, more calcium than milk, and more magnesium than broccoli. Chia seeds absorb up to 10x their weight in water so you only need 100 calories to feel full. It's mini but mighty!

    Is 1 teaspoon of chia seeds enough? ›

    A standard dosing suggestion is 0.7 ounces (20 grams or 1.5 teaspoons) of chia seeds twice daily. Chia seeds may provide various advantages as part of a healthy diet. Chia seeds have no recommended daily allowance. Nonetheless, 50 grams (approximately five tablespoons) of them can be consumed safely daily.

    Can you eat raw chia seeds? ›

    People can eat chia seeds raw by adding them to a variety of foods, such as cereal, yogurt, smoothies, and as a topping on salads. It is also possible to soak chia seeds in a liquid, which turns the seeds into a gel-like substance. This can make them useful for thickening desserts, such as chia seed pudding.

    How much chia per day? ›

    Chia seeds as part of a healthy diet

    There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. Two tablespoons provide all of the nutritional benefits listed above.

    Is there a downside to chia seeds? ›

    One of the most common side effects of consuming chia seeds in excessive amounts is digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. This is because the high fibre content in chia seeds can lead to stomach discomfort and digestive problems.

    What happens to your body when you eat chia seeds everyday? ›

    Chia seeds may be small, but they're incredibly rich in nutrients. A staple in the ancient Aztec and Maya diets, these seeds have been touted for their health benefits for centuries. The nutrients in chia seeds may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management ( 1 ).

    Can chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›

    Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

    How many spoons of chia seeds should I eat to lose weight? ›

    Chia seeds have impressive benefits and are a very versatile ingredients. Do not exceed 1-2 tablespoons per day and always hydrate them in water or milk before use. Remember chia alone cannot cause weight loss. It has to be part of a well-balanced diet and effective exercise routine.

    Are chia seeds good for the kidneys and liver? ›

    Because flax seeds and chia seeds are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, they are healthy for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: CKD/Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week) Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis.

    What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

    Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

    What happens if you eat chia seeds without soaking them? ›

    Eating them dry can give a crunchy feeling and they're great in smoothies or baking. Just remember to drink enough water when you eat them dry so they don't soak up water in your stomach, which might make you feel thirsty. So, soaking chia seeds is good, but it's not compulsory. You can enjoy them dry too.

    What happens if you don't chew chia seeds? ›

    Unlike flax seeds, you don't have to grind chia seeds to add tons of nutrients to your diet. You can eat them whole and still get a punch of extra energy and nutrients. If you're wondering how to eat chia seeds raw, you can just eat a spoonful straight, but beware that they do tend to stick in your teeth.

    Do you need to drink a lot of water with chia seeds? ›

    "You don't need to suspend chia seeds in water to reap their benefits," says Beaver. That being said, Beaver points out that adding such a high fiber food into your diet does mean you will need to increase your water intake. "Fiber tends to pull water into our GI tract," explains Beaver.

    What does Mayo Clinic say about chia seeds? ›

    Chia is rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. These seeds also contain magnesium, an important mineral for brain, digestive tract and heart health. Add chia to cereal, yogurt, salads and smoothies, or use it make puddings for a nutrient-dense snack.

    Does chia seeds really reduce belly fat? ›

    The insoluble fibre and protein present in them help you feel satisfied and full. As per USDA data, a 100-gram serving of chia seeds can fulfil up to 34% of the daily fibre intake, thus facilitating the reduction of belly fat.

    Do chia seeds stick to your insides? ›

    Dr Wendi LeBrett, a gastroenterologist at UCLA Health in California, took to TikTok to share how the seeds can get stuck in the digestive tract and cause a major medical problem.

    Are chia seeds a good fat or bad fat? ›

    One serving of dried chia seeds is about 2.5 tablespoons. This has 140 calories, 5 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber, 12 grams of carbohydrate and 9 grams of fat, of which 8 grams are heart-healthy fats.

    Does chia seeds detox your body? ›

    Regular consumption of chia seeds can thus support the detoxification process by promoting cellular repair and rejuvenation, leading to healthier and more radiant skin. One of the key components of chia seeds is omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

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