Indulging in sweet treats doesn’t have to mean compromising on health. These no-bake peanut butter oat cups and nutty oat energy bars offer a delicious way to fuel your body with wholesome ingredients. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and oats, these desserts provide the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a midday energy boost, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
Recipe 1: No-Bake Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients:
- Dried apricots: 80 g / 2.8 oz
- 80 grams (2.8 ounces) of rolled oats
- Peanut butter: 2 tbsp
- Maple syrup: 2 tbsp
- A pinch of salt
- Dark chocolate (sugar-free): 50 g / 1.7 oz
- Pistachios (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- Finely chop the dried apricots.
- In a food processor, combine the chopped apricots, rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined.
- Shape the Cups:
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups and press down firmly to form the base.
- Chocolate Layer:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or using a double boiler.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the oat and apricot base, spreading it evenly.
- Decoration:
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the chocolate layer.
- Set:
- Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour or until they are firm.
- Serve:
- Remove the cups from the liners and enjoy your healthy peanut butter oat cups!
Recipe 2: Nutty Oat Energy Bars
Ingredients:
- Dried apricots: 100 g / 3.5 oz
- Oat flakes: 200 g / 7 oz
- Cashews: 30 g / 1 oz
- Walnuts: 30 g / 1 oz
- Sunflower seeds: 2 tbsp
- Coconut flakes: 2 tbsp
- Ground ginger (to taste)
- Honey: 2 tbsp
- 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of dried cranberries
- Mixed nuts: 30 g / 1 oz
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the dried apricots and mixed nuts.
- In a large bowl, combine the oat flakes, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, and ground ginger.
- Mix the Bars:
- Add the chopped apricots, dried cranberries, and mixed nuts to the bowl.
- Drizzle honey over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined and sticky.
- Shape the Bars:
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Press the mixture firmly into the dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Set:
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Serve:
- Cut the mixture into bars and enjoy your nutty oat energy bars!
Conclusion:
These no-bake peanut butter oat cups and nutty oat energy bars are not only easy to make but also packed with nutritious ingredients that will keep you energized throughout the day. With natural sweetness from dried fruits and the rich flavors of nuts and oats, these treats are a delightful way to indulge in something sweet without compromising on health. Enjoy these recipes as a quick snack, a pre- or post-workout boost, or even a healthy dessert option.