These homemade apricot almond bars, inspired by LaraBars, are a perfect quick and healthy snack option. Full of natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like almonds, apricots, and dates, they offer a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and natural sugars to keep you energized throughout the day. These bars are not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple steps. No baking required!
Photos of Homemade Larabars: Apricot Almond Bars Recipe
The ingredients required for this recipe are fairly common and should be readily available in most supermarkets. However, if you've not used them before, Medjool dates are larger, sweeter dates often found in the produce section rather than with other dried fruits. They have a rich, almost caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture. When buying dried apricots, try to look for ones that are bright orange, as darker ones can sometimes be overly dried and tough. Almonds are usually available in the nuts and seeds aisle.
Ingredients for Homemade Apricot Almond Bars
Almonds: Almonds are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They add a nice crunch to the bars and help to keep you feeling full.
Medjool dates: Medjool dates are used as a natural sweetener. They also help to bind the bars together.
Dried apricots: These add a tart, fruity flavor to the bars. They're also a good source of vitamins and fiber.
Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt is used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
One reader, Dulcinea Snyder says:
This apricot almond bars recipe is a game-changer! The combination of almonds and dried apricots is simply divine. The bars are easy to make and taste amazing. I love that they are a healthy and satisfying snack. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making Homemade Larabars
How to line the baking dish: Place parchment paper or wax paper in an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish, ensuring that it covers the bottom and sides of the dish.
How to pulse the almonds: In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they are chopped into small pieces, but not completely ground into a powder.
How to process the dried fruits: In the food processor, pulse the pitted dates, dried apricots, and sea salt until they form a sticky paste-like consistency.
How to incorporate the nuts into the fruit mixture: After processing the dried fruits, break up the fruit mixture and add the chopped nuts to the food processor. Process until the nuts are evenly incorporated into the fruit mixture.
How to press the mixture into an even layer: Transfer the fruit and nut mixture to the lined baking dish and use your hands to press it into an even layer.
How to chill the bars: Place the baking dish in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to set.
How to cut the bars: After chilling, use a sharp knife to cut the fruit-and-nut blend into squares or bars.
How to wrap the bars: Individually wrap each bar tightly for serving.
How To Make Homemade Larabars: Apricot Almond Bars
These almond bars are easy to make and absolutely flavorful. This treat is a recreation of the famous vintage dessert – the Larabars. Try this at home.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1 ½cupalmonds
- 1cupMedjool datespitted
- 1cupdried apricots
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
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Line an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or wax paper. In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they are chopped. Pour them into a bowl.
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Process the pitted dates, dried apricots, and sea salt until the dried fruits are mashed into a paste.
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Break up the fruit mixture and add the nuts to the food processor. Process until the chopped nuts are incorporated evenly into the fruit mixture.
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Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, and use your hands to press it into an even layer.
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Chill the baking dish in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut the fruit-and-nut blend into squares or bars.
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Wrap each bar tightly for individual servings.
Nutrition
- Calories: 886.50kcal
- Fat: 71.46g
- Saturated Fat: 5.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 45.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 17.64g
- Carbohydrates: 46.45g
- Fiber: 19.41g
- Sugar: 19.91g
- Protein: 30.77g
- Sodium: 119.97mg
- Calcium: 398.21mg
- Potassium: 1240.50mg
- Iron: 5.65mg
- Vitamin A: 15.61µg
- Vitamin C: 0.08mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Homemade Larabars
To ensure your homemade larabars have a consistent texture, make sure to process the dates and dried apricots until they are completely mashed into a paste. This will help the almonds to blend evenly with the fruit mixture, resulting in a smoother, more uniform bar. Additionally, chilling the mixture before cutting it into bars will make it easier to achieve clean, sharp edges.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Apricot Almond Bars
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the almonds and blend the dried fruits, saving time and effort.
Chill the mixture: Place the mixture in the freezer to set for a shorter period, allowing for quicker cutting and serving of the bars.
Pre-cut portions: Consider pre-cutting the bars into individual servings before chilling to expedite the process and make them ready to grab and go.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and equipment while the bars are chilling to minimize cleanup time after the recipe is complete.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Larabars: Apricot Almond Bars Recipe
almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable replacement for almonds in this recipe.
medjool dates - Substitute with dried figs: Dried figs have a similar natural sweetness and chewy texture, making them a great alternative to medjool dates in this recipe.
dried apricots - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries offer a tart and sweet flavor profile, which can complement the almonds and provide a unique twist to the homemade larabars.
Best Way to Present Homemade Larabars
Elevate the plating: When presenting the homemade apricot almond bars, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Use clean lines and carefully place the bars to showcase their natural ingredients and vibrant colors.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating contrasting textures. Consider serving the bars alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream to create a delightful textural contrast.
Garnish with edible flowers: Elevate the presentation by delicately garnishing the plate with edible flowers such as lavender or rose petals. The addition of these visually stunning elements will add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the apricot almond bars to stand out. By strategically leaving areas of the plate bare, you can draw attention to the beauty of the bars and create a sense of balance in the presentation.
Add a drizzle of honey: Before serving, consider adding a subtle drizzle of high-quality honey to the plate. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a touch of luxury to the overall presentation.
Incorporate a dusting of edible gold or silver flakes: For a truly luxurious touch, consider incorporating a delicate dusting of edible gold or silver flakes to the plate. This opulent addition will elevate the presentation and create a sense of indulgence.
Essential Tools for Making Apricot Almond Bars
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's perfect for creating the fruit and nut paste for the homemade larabars.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the chopped almonds with the fruit paste to create the larabar mixture.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Apricot Almond Bars
- Store the apricot almond bars in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- To freeze the homemade larabars:
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or wax paper.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen apricot almond bars, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before consuming.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, consume the bars within 1 week for optimal freshness and texture.
Random Fact About Homemade Larabars
Larabars are a popular brand of energy bars that are made with simple, whole food ingredients. They are known for being gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them a convenient and healthy snack option for people with dietary restrictions.
Is Making Apricot Almond Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this homemade larabars: apricot almond bars recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, almonds, medjool dates, and dried apricots, are relatively affordable and can be purchased in bulk. These bars are a nutritious and satisfying snack, making them a great option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Homemade Apricot Almond Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
This homemade Larabar recipe, featuring apricot and almond, is a healthier alternative to store-bought snack bars. The recipe relies on whole, natural ingredients like almonds, dates, and apricots, which provide a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sugars. The absence of added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients makes this recipe a nutritious choice for a quick snack or energy boost.
However, it's important to note that while the ingredients are healthy, the bars are still calorie-dense due to the high content of nuts and dried fruits. Consuming these bars in moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet.
To further enhance the nutritional value of these apricot almond bars, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate additional nutrient-dense ingredients such as chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds to boost the fiber, protein, and omega-3 content
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or cashews, to vary the nutrient profile and flavor
- Add a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor without increasing calorie content
- Reduce the portion size by cutting the bars into smaller pieces to help with portion control
- Pair the bars with fresh fruits or vegetables to create a more balanced snack
Editor's Thoughts on This Apricot Almond Bars Recipe
This homemade larabar recipe is a delightful and nutritious treat. The combination of almonds, dates, and apricots provides a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The simple instructions make it easy to prepare, and the result is a satisfying snack that can be enjoyed on the go. The use of natural ingredients and the absence of added sugars make this recipe a healthier alternative to store-bought bars. It's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still nourishing your body with wholesome, real foods.
Enhance Your Homemade Larabars: Apricot Almond Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Apricot Almond Bars
Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Homemade Larabars
Why trust this Homemade Larabars: Apricot Almond Bars Recipe:
This homemade larabar recipe uses only wholesome ingredients like almonds, medjool dates, and dried apricots. The combination of these natural ingredients provides a rich source of essential nutrients and energy. The process involves simple steps and does not require any artificial additives or preservatives. By making these bars at home, you have full control over the quality and freshness of the ingredients, ensuring a delicious and nutritious snack. Trust in the simplicity and purity of this recipe to create a satisfying and healthy treat.
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