Rolled Oats & Dry Fruit Energy Bars

My son, who is athletic and sporty, has embraced cycling as his new passion. During his long rides he needs a high level of energy to sustain him.  These energy bars are guaranteed to help his endurance during his long rides.   My first batch of 12 generous size bars disappeared before the ride began…….

Ingredients
2 cups Rolled Oats
1/2 cup Apricots (chopped)
1/2 cup Cranberries
1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds
1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds
2 teaspoons Sesame Seeds
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
1/4 Slivered Almonds
1/2 cup Coconut Flakes
3/4 cup honey (heat in a pan until melted)
6 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)

Preparation Time:     15 minutes
Cooking Time:     20-30 minutes
Makes:      12 Bars (Approximately)

Preheat the oven to 180°C for 15 minutes.  Prepare a 30 cm x 20 cm ceramic baking tray.

In a large bowl place rolled oats, chopped apricots, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cinnamon, slivered almonds, coconut flakes, honey, melted coconut oil.  Combine and thoroughly mix all the ingredients.   Line a baking tray with baking paper and  press the mixture into the tin spreading evenly.

Place into the oven and bake for approximately 20-30 minutes or until golden in colour.

Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes.  Whilst hot, cut the bars into 12 pieces, ensure that you cut right through.  Allow to cool down completely before removing the bars out of the tray.

Cook’s Tips

For this recipe I used naturally dried Turkish Apricots.  These beautiful Apricots are dark in colour (brown) due to the natural process of drying in the sun.  They have no additives or enhancers to boost the bright orange colour.

To melt the coconut oil, place  in the microwave for approximately 30-40 seconds.

When removing the bars out of the tray be gentle, they can be a little crumbly.

Enjoy!