Homemade Cereal Bars: Apricots & Almonds

Who hasn't dreamed of a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-prepare snack? These homemade apricot and almond granola bars are the answer! Imagine: a quick and energizing breakfast, or the perfect snack for a tasty break between activities. This simple recipe, adaptable to your tastes, allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy all-natural bars, free from additives and hidden sugars.

The idea came to me during an early morning hike. I needed a quick and healthy energy boost without having to stop at a store. These bars, made with simple, natural ingredients, turned out to be the perfect solution. Since then, they've become a staple of my snacks, and I'm delighted to share this easy recipe with you.

Preparation: a piece of cake! Believe me, even those with little cooking experience can make these delicious granola bars. So, gather your ingredients and embark on this simple and tasty culinary adventure.

Ingredients

For 12 bars:

• 100g of oat flakes
• 50g of chopped almonds
• 50g of chopped dried apricots
• 50g of honey
• 50g of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 25g of sunflower seeds or dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (thermostat 6).
2. In a large bowl, mix the oat flakes, chopped almonds, chopped dried apricots and salt.
3. In another bowl, melt the butter. Add the honey and vanilla extract. Mix well .
4. Pour the butter/honey/vanilla mixture over the cereal mixture and mix until all ingredients are well coated.
5. Line a rectangular mold (approximately 20x20cm) with parchment paper.
6. Pour the mixture into the mold and press down firmly using a spoon or spatula.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and slightly crispy. Check regularly while baking.
8. Allow to cool completely in the mold before cutting into 12 bars.

Chef's Tips

For softer bars, reduce the baking time. For crispier bars, slightly increase the baking time and let them cool completely before cutting.

You can personalize your bars by adding other dried fruits, seeds, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) or dark chocolate. Let your creativity run wild!

Conservation

Store your cereal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for optimal tasting: For a unique taste experience, serve your bars slightly warm with a hot drink such as tea or coffee.