apricot pecan breakfast bars

sometimes i think cooking is a bore and it feels more like a big fat chore than anything.  but there are recipes, like this one, that are mysteriously fun.  i don’t know what the secret is, why sometimes it’s a joy and sometimes it’s a pain in the arse.  one of life’s mysteries i guess.  but this recipe is a good ol time in the kitchen- maybe because it’s just so simple and quick. and are the perfect thing to grab for breakfast when you’re in a rush or snack on in between meals. sweet & healthy goodness, these bars.

recipe and a bit more after the jump

the other thing these bars are good for, besides winning friends and influencing people, is TRAVEL!  they’d be so great to take on a road trip or flight because they’re surprisingly hearty and filling.  plus they’re healthy and have very little salt.  so basically: the best travel food ever.  i hope you make them!  xx -sarah

ingredients

3 cups gluten free rolled oats

1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes

1 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups chopped dried apricots

5 large ripe bananas

1/4 cup coconut oil (and a little extra for greasing the pan)

1/4 & 1/8 cup grade A maple syrup

1 teaspoon sea salt

preparation

– preheat over to 350 degrees

– grease a 9X13 pan with coconut oil

– in a large mixing bowl combine oats, nuts, apricots, and sea salt

– in a medium mixing bowl mash bananas (i used a rice spatula to make easy work of it)

– add coconut oil and maple syrup to mashed bananas and combine

– pour banana mixture into bowl with oats and stir until fully mixed

– fill pan with oat mixture and use a spatula (or the backside of a large spoon) to press mixture firmly into pan

– bake for 35 minutes (more or less depending on your oven) until bars are lightly browned on the top

– let cool and then slice into bars (these suckers are extra good warm, so eat one straight away!)

– enjoy!

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Reader Comments

  1. Jojo|

    This looks amazing! I want to eat it right now! And make it! And live in your blog. All at once! Can't believe I only just stumbled across it! What a stroke of luck! Now to read all your past posts! Lucky me! X

    Reply
  2. Kait|

    Such a delicious combo of some of my most favorite ingredients! I often have mighty ambitions to make breakfast bars but tend to resort to my regular smoothie/oatmeal breakfasts… perhaps this will be just the inspirational recipe I needed!

    Reply
  3. Carrie S.|

    Thanks for the recipe, I can't wait to try them! I made the peanut butter balls a couple of weeks ago and can't stop thinking about them now that they're gone! Must whip up more…

    Reply
  4. sarah yates|

    thanks for all the kind words! and i'm so happy you are all as excited about these yummies as i am!

    Reply
  5. Bri Martin|

    Just took these out of the oven, and they are fantastic! I substituted half the syrup for molasses, and threw in some flax seeds and raisins, and they turned out perfect!

    Reply
  6. sanna|

    These look amazing! I live overseas and certain items are hard to find. Do you have a suggestion/alternative for replacing coconut oil?

    Reply
  7. sarah yates|

    thanks sanna! hmmm, maybe palm oil, though that may not be any easier to find. in some baked goods butter (or earth balance vegan butter) would work, but it has such a strong flavor i'm not sure it would be good in this instance. i will think on it a bit more and if i come up with something i'll let you know! xx- sarah

    Reply
  8. Elaine|

    Made these today! So easy and tasty! Quick question. The ingredients say:
    "1/4 & 1/8 cup grade A maple syrup" do you add those at separate times? I just used 1/4 cup syrup and that seemed to be enough, but wasn't sure if I missed what to do with the other 1/8 cup. Also added some flax seed. Loved this little treat! Yum! xo

    Reply
  9. Anna|

    Hi! I can't wait to try this recipe!! But do you think I can replace maple syrup with honey? I live in Italy and here maple syrup it's not so common and also I don't know if I like it! Thanks!! xoxo

    Reply
  10. sarah yates|

    Hi Anna! I would definitely give it a shot. It might need a little tweaking I think honey is a bit sweeter than maple syrup! :)

    Reply