Apricot Date Raisin Bars
Sweet and chewy apricot, date, and raisin bars with a hint of coconut and sunflower seeds, perfect for a nutritious snack or dessert enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, margarine, honey, and coconut in a bowl.
- Mix well and set aside.
- Cook apricots, dates, raisins, and water in a small saucepan until the water is absorbed.
- Spread half of the oatmeal mixture evenly in a 9 x 9 inch dish.
- Spread the cooked fruit mixture on top of the oatmeal layer.
- Combine the remaining oatmeal mixture with sunflower seeds.
- Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over the fruit layer and press lightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using rolled oats instead of quick oats. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with coconut sugar or a blend of white sugar and molasses. To enhance flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the mixture. These bars can also be made gluten-free by using almond flour in place of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
These apricot date raisin bars make a delightful snack or breakfast option. Serve them with a dollop of yogurt or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Tiffany Punch for a refreshing drink option. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle with melted dark chocolate before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover apricot date raisin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Date Raisin Bars contains roughly 1200 calories, with 22g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Using fresh fruit is not recommended as it contains more moisture, which could affect the texture of the bars. If you want to experiment, try reducing the amount of water in the recipe significantly to compensate for the extra moisture.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, to make these bars vegan, simply replace the diet margarine with a plant-based butter alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. This keeps the recipe aligned with vegan recipes while maintaining a delicious flavor.
How can I make these bars more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional content, consider adding ground flaxseeds or chia seeds to the oatmeal mixture. You could also incorporate nuts like walnuts or almonds for added protein and healthy fats. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can enhance the fiber content.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).