Sugar-free Muesli Bars

These muesli bars are so good you wouldn't even know they don't contain sugar. They are full of nutrients including iron from the dried apricots and protein and omega 3 from the free-range eggs. Oats are high in calcium, magnesium and silica, important for bone strength, and are rich in B vitamins.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
  • 100 grams soft dried apricots, roughly chopped
  • 100 grams dates or other dried fruit; raisins, figs, sultanas
  • juice of 1 orange or 1/3 cup fruit juice
  • 2 free-range eggs
  • 100 g butter, melted
  • 2 cups small rolled oats
  • 1 cup fine desiccated coconut or equivalent oats
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Preheat oven 180C. Grease a 20 x 30cm tin with butter or line with baking paper.

Chop the dried fruit in a food processor with the orange juice until minced. If the dried fruit is tough leave to soak in the orange juice for 20-30 minutes to soften. Add the eggs and melted butter and combine until creamy.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in the minced fruit mixture. Mix thoroughly.

Tip the mix into the tin and firmly press to evenly fit. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden on top and firm to touch. Score into 12-16 bars or squares and leave to cool in the tin. Store in an airtight container.

 

Variations: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and/or sesame seeds.

Gluten-free tip: though oats contain small amounts of gluten they are often tolerated by people with gluten sensitivity. If not, gluten-free flakes from rice, millet or quinoa can be used in place of oats in recipes.

Sugar is an empty-nutrient food; it provides energy and flavour but inadequate nutrients to support healthy bodies. When baking at home, the quantity of sugar can often be halved in recipes with little difference to taste and texture. Replace the quantity of sugar removed with extra liquid i.e. yogurt, milk, apple puree or mashed banana.