These No-Bake Nutty Oat & Apricot Protein Bars are an irresistible fusion of wholesome oats, naturally sweet dried fruits, and crunchy nuts, bound together with mashed banana for moisture and baked to a firm set before finishing with a drizzle of sugar-free dark chocolate. Inspired by energy bars and protein snacks that fuel active lifestyles, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into snackable bars perfect for breakfast on the go, post-workout refueling, or an afternoon pick-me-up. With no oven required until a brief 15-minute bake and minimal hands-on time, they’re as convenient as they are delicious.
Cooking Time
Preparation & Mixing: 20 minutes
Chilling & Shaping: 5 minutes
Baking: 15 minutes (oven at 180 °C/356 °F)
Chocolate Drizzle & Final Chill: 10 minutes + 2–3 hours refrigeration
Total Active Time: 50 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: Approximately 3 hours
Ingredients
Dry Base
1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
1 cup (100 g) raisins, soaked in hot water and rinsed
½ cup (50 g) walnuts, roughly chopped or pulsed
1 cup (100 g) chopped dried apricots, soaked in hot water and rinsed
Binder & Flavor
1 ripe banana, mashed until smooth
½ cup (ca. 60 g) almonds, roughly chopped or pulsed
1 Tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness and binding)
Coating & Finish
85 g (3 oz) sugar-free dark chocolate, melted (microwave or double-boiler)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Continued on the next page
Unveiling the Benefits of Vinegar Soaks for Your Feet
Zucchini Balls with Rice and Garlic Sauce
Healthy Banana Cocoa Oatmeal Bake
Fans spot worrying detail in new photo of Martha Stewart, 82 – and everyone’s saying the same thing
Greek Chicken Gyros
The oil that removes uric acid from the blood, heals anxiety, chronic arthritis, rheumatism, and stops cravings for cigarettes and alcohol.
“Goodbye, cockroaches and roaches at home: With this infallible remedy, they will disappear.
Viral South Korean Olympic Kim Ye-ji Lands Her First Role as an Assassin
Keir Starmer announces ‘national violent disorder unit’ to tackle wave of riots as Southport stabbing suspect named