Apricot Seed Bars
Updated June 29, 2016 
Packed full of dried fruits and seeds, these bars make a great addition to a backpack, if you’re hiking or biking.
Makes36 bars (1 bar per serving)
Cooking MethodBaking
CostModerate
Total Timeunder 1 hour
Make Ahead RecipeYes
Kid FriendlyYes
Recipe CourseDessert, Snack
Dietary ConsiderationDiabetic, Halal, High Fiber, Kosher, Low Carb, Low Cholesterol, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Vegetarian
EquipmentElectric Mixer
MealBrunch, Snack, Tea
Taste and TextureChewy, Fruity, Sweet, Tangy, Tart
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (175 mL) butter, softened
- ¾ cup (175 mL) packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup (250 mL) unbleached all purpose flour
- ½ tsp (2 mL) baking soda
- ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt
- ¾ tsp cinnamon (4 mL)
- 1 cup (250 mL) quick-cooking rolled oats
- ¾ cup (175 mL) finely chopped dried apricots
- ¾ cup (175 mL) dried cranberries
- ¼ cup (50 mL) sesame seeds
- ¼ cup (50 mL) flaxseeds
- ¼ cup (50 mL) sunflower seeds
- 13- by 9-inch (3 L) cake pan, greased
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
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In a bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, brown sugar and egg until smooth and creamy. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir into creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in rolled oats, apricots, cranberries, sesame seeds, flaxseeds and sunflower seeds. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
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Bake in preheated oven until top is set and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on rack. Cut into bars.
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Optional: Replace cranberries with chopped dried figs or raisins.
Notes
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To prevent sticking, use cooking spray to get a light, even coating of grease on baking pans.
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To ease cleanup, rather than combining the dry ingredients in a bowl (in Step 1), place a large piece of waxed paper on the counter. Spread the flour on the paper and sprinkle the baking soda, salt and cinnamon over it. Using the paper as a funnel, transfer the dry ingredients to the egg mixture.
2008 Barbara Selley, BA RD
