no-bake apricot cranberry nut bars, gluten-free, vegan, dairy free, no added sugars, grain free
Happy Friday!
I’ve already written an intro this morning, wrote an entire post, and stayed up late editing a video. Unforteunly, hotel wifi is not suitable for uploading large videos to YouTube.😞 My meal-prep tutorial was planned to go live today, but sometimes plans change! I have about 45-minutes left on the upload, so I plan on getting the post up and live tomorrow morning. I’d love for you to have it just in case you’re looking for meal prep next week.
Like usual, I hate leaving the blog empty before the weekend, so I went into my queue and pulled a recipe to share! Today, I’m sharing my no-bake apricot cranberry nut bars!
These apricot cranberry nut bars were a fun experiment in the kitchen. I was showing my mom how to make the chocolate hazelnut protein bombs, and then we came up with this one right after. I don’t know why, but they taste like cherry pop tarts. I can’t explain it, but they are delicious. I think the almond extract was the perfect addition.
Using apricots and cranberries makes it a nice recipe to transition from summer to fall with. These bars pack a ton of healthy fats and energy for your day or activity!
If you’re looking for a great travel-friendly snack, these are a great choice!
I love how well they hold up! I brought a couple of them to Saturday morning tennis with me. It was nearly 95-degrees, and they held up so well. I didn’t have to worry about melted chocolate of mushy oats. I thought about the endless variations I could make like this bar! It also saved me from walking into Whole Foods hungry! That’s NEVER a good idea. Making a bunch of these ahead of time to eat throughout the week is a great idea. You’ll save a ton of money rather than buy the overpriced bars at the grocery store, they’re quick energy and filling. They are also a great grab and go breakfast choice.
Apricot Cranberry Nut Bars
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Roasted & Unsalted Almonds
- 3 Large Pitted Dates
- 1/2 Cup Dried Apricots (find ones without added sugars)
- 1 Tsp Almond Extract
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1/3 Cup Dried Cranberries (find ones without added sugars)
- 1/4 Cup Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsps Water
Instructions
- Add almonds, apricots, and dates to the food processor. Chop until they are in tiny little pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped ingredients with vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon, cranberries, sesame seeds, and water.
- Use your hands to form the ingredients into bars, or balls. Store in the fridge, or in a container on the countertop.
Questions for you!
- Do you like to make homemade snacks for travel?
- Would you like to see a carrot cake version of these?
- Do you ever use a food processor?
Julie says
They look so yummy! Have fun on your trip where you’re headed to!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Julie!
Shannen Arnett says
These look so good and they sound so easy!
Thanks for sharing!
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope you enjoy them, Shannen!
Sabrina says
Where are you traveling?
Taralynn McNitt says
We went to Savannah!
Chasity says
I laughed so hard when you said that they tasted like cherry pop tarts. We thought the same thing after trying these bars! My mom thinks it’s the almond extract with the cranberries.
We will be making these again!
Yes to carrot cake!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Chasity!
At least I’m not going crazy! I was like “why do these taste like cherry poptarts?” but I’m not complaining 😉 Maybe it is the almond extract! Thanks for sharing and I’m so glad you enjoyed these 😊
Taralynn ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I love your recipes, Taralynn, you’re always so creative with them! 🙂
I’m such a huge fan of cranberries so I can’t wait to try this out on a free weekend! ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Charmaine!!
Lindsey says
Great recipe!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Lindsey!
IVY CROSSMAN says
I love following your blog! Do you have the nutritional break down of these? Keep the ideas coming, you are an inspiration to live a healthy lifestyle but also eat yummy foods. Love it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ivy!
Thanks so much! I didn’t do the nutritional breakdown of these like most of my recipes. I can put it in and add that to the post monday! 😃
Sara says
What could I do instead of apricots?
Taralynn McNitt says
You could try doing dry figs, more dates, or maybe even dried pineapples.
Anonymous says
Can I use rice?
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m not sure…? As a replacement? Additive?
Anonymous says
How many calories?
Taralynn McNitt says
I didn’t do the numbers on this post, but I’ll add them monday!
Alissa @ PositiviTEA says
Omg, girl! I’d DIE for a carrot cake version of these! I don’t own a food processor and never used one, but wow! This looks too good!!
Happy weekend, beauty!!
Alissa
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Alissa!!! 😊
Linda @ the Fitty says
Ah sucks about the Wi-Fi uploading. 🙁 technical difficulties are a bloggers worst nightmare! Have you ever been hacked?
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s definitely no fun and that’s why it’s smart to always have a backup 😉 And no lol It’s important to keep high-security plugins on your blogs.
Gina says
I made them with dried blueberries instead of the cranberries! Great recipe and my kids loved them.
Taralynn McNitt says
So happy to hear that!!
Harriet says
Definitely going to try these out. Do you use dried pitted dates? Oh a carrot cake version would be awesome, maybe even peach and cinnamon, the flavours could be endless. I use my food processor weekly, it cost $15 four years ago and never misses a beat. Homemade travel snacks are fantastic and you can customise them for your trip. Thanks for another awesome recipe! Have a great weekend.
Taralynn McNitt says
I do use the dried pitted dates! 🙂 I couldn’t agree more with ou about homemade snacks!
Dana says
I can’t wait to make these for my kids!
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope they enjoy!
Pam Donnelly says
Success!
Taralynn McNitt says
So happy to hear!
Vira says
I just made these and they turned out great! Could I keep them on the counter? or do they have to be refrigerated?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Vira!
So happy they turned out great for you!
They can definitely be left out on the counter top. Just make sure to wrap them or put them in a container! 😀
Melanie says
Delicious recipe!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Melanie!