Apricot-Almond KIND Bars (GF)

My Delicious and Easy Apricot-Almond Bars

As a busy mom, finding healthy and delicious snacks for my kids (and myself!) is always a top priority. I’m constantly searching for options that are both convenient and nutritious, something that won't leave me spending hours in the kitchen. That's where these Apricot-Almond bars come in. They're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. Plus, they're naturally gluten-free, packed with wholesome ingredients, and taste absolutely amazing! The perfect balance of sweet and nutty, they satisfy my sweet cravings without the guilt. My kids love them, and they're a great alternative to store-bought granola bars, which are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.

The best part? The recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out the apricots for other dried fruits like cranberries or cherries, depending on your preference and what's available. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, too. Pecans or walnuts would make delicious additions, adding another layer of flavor and texture. One of my favorite tweaks is to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking; it enhances the sweetness of the apricots and nuts. Honestly, the possibilities are endless!

These bars are perfect for packing in lunchboxes, taking on the go, or simply enjoying as a healthy afternoon snack. They're incredibly versatile and always a hit, no matter the occasion. They store well in the refrigerator, keeping their delicious texture and flavor for days. I often make a big batch and keep them on hand for those moments when a quick and healthy snack is needed.

Beyond the Lunchbox: These bars are far more than just a convenient snack; they are perfect for hiking adventures, busy workdays, or even as a quick dessert. Imagine yourself, halfway up a mountain trail, reaching into your backpack for a burst of energy and a taste of home. The satisfying chew of the almond and apricot combination provides the perfect fuel for your journey, reminding you of simple pleasures amidst the challenge. Or picture yourself, during a hectic workday, grabbing one of these bars for a quick and revitalizing break. The blend of natural sweetness and satisfying texture provides the necessary energy boost to power through your tasks. Their portability makes them ideal for those unpredictable moments in life when you need a healthy and satisfying bite.

The versatility of these bars transcends the confines of practicality. They are not just snacks, they are little moments of happiness. They're a small act of self-care, a healthy reward for a hard day's work, or a comforting treat for a quiet night in. Making them is an act of love, a small contribution to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, one delicious bar at a time.

So, whether you're a busy mom like me, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious and easy-to-make snack, these Apricot-Almond bars are a must-try. Trust me, once you've tasted them, they'll become a staple in your kitchen, too. The convenience, the deliciousness, and the health benefits make them an absolute winner. Give this recipe a shot, and I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I am!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• Trim parchment paper to line an 8x8-inch baking dish, leaving parchment paper to hang over two sides of the dish.
• In a large bowl, add the honey, coconut flour, all-natural almond butter and salt. Use a spoon to stir until well combined.
• On a large cutting board, coarse-chop a couple of large handfuls of whole almonds and measure out 1 cup. Then, coarse chop a handful or two of whole cashews and measure out 1/3 cup. Add the chopped nuts to the honey mixture.
• Next, chop the dried organic apricots and measure out 1/2 cup; add to the honey mixture.
• Finally, measure 1 cup of coconut flakes (not shredded coconut). Place coconut flakes on the cutting board and coarse-chop. Add chopped coconut flakes to honey mixture.
• Using a spoon, mix ingredients together making sure they are thoroughly combined.
• Place the bar mixture into the parchment-lined baking dish. Fold overlapping flaps down and evenly press the top of the bar mixture firmly to pack-in the ingredients so they hold together better after baking. Then, peel back the parchments flaps from top of bars. (Do not trim, as the flaps make it easier to remove the bars after baking.)
• Bake for 20 minutes. Then remove from oven and allow to completely cool on stovetop for approximately one hour (or until bottom of baking dish is room temp).
• Place in fridge to continue cooling. (Do not freeze as it makes it impossible to cut the bars without them crumbling.)
• Once cold, remove dish from refrigerator. Then, run a knife along the two edges without parchment. Using the parchment paper ends, lift the bars from the baking dish and place on a cutting board.
• Cut into 8 bars and individually wrap and store in the fridge or freezer. Then you can easily take out what you need and place directly into your child’s lunchbox (or yours) – no need to thaw. However, for best results, bars should be kept cold so they do not become over-sticky. Simply include an ice pack, if placing them in a lunchbox, or taking them on the go.