I’m on a bit of a mission. I need to find a bar (preferable one I make) that works as a pre-run snack for me. As you know if you do any kind of exercise, especially running, once you find something that works, you stick with it. Works meaning it’s easily digested and doesn’t cause you any belly problems during the activity.
Unfortunately, what has been working for me in the past are packaged bars which also have soy protein isolate in them, something I really would like to cut out of my diet completely. Other bars that don’t contain it often have too much fat (usually as nuts) in their base and they don’t settle well.
So something dawned on me this past weekend when I was eating a few bites of what has become my standard running snack. The cookies I made last week were likely no different in nutritional make up than the bar I had in my hand. In fact, I would consider them better.
Simply put, I can do this. I can make my own bar that works well with my running. I just need a few tries and may waste a few ingredients along the way.
This is my first attempt. I thought they’d have a little too much fat in them, but I had one before my 3 miles this morning and all went well. They aren’t the exact texture I want as they baked up a little cakeier than I’d like, but I expected that with the ingredients I used. This was just a start.
That being said, regardless of whether they will prove to be a pre-run snack, these bars are downright tasty as a breakfast. They have just the right amount of sweetness, but they are hearty and filling with the nuts and oats.
Apricot Cranberry Bars
½ cup virgin coconut oil
¼ cup Demerara sugar
¼ cup local honey
1 egg
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup white whole wheat flour
½ cup rolled oats
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup dried apricots, finely chopped
½ cup nuts, chopped (I used almonds and walnuts)
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8 x 8 inch pan lightly with coconut oil. In a mixing bowl, blend the coconut oil, honey and sugar on medium-high. Continue to blend for about 3 minutes. Blend in the egg. Add the baking soda and salt.
Gradually mix in the flour and oats just until combined. Finally stir in the fruit and nuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until the bars are browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes 10 to 12 bars.
I’ve been meaning to make some kind of bars just as snacks, but haven’t gotten around to it.
These looks delicious! Truth be told, I think I prefer more of a cake texture than a typical bar anyways 🙂
Great idea to cook up your own bars with all the values you want.
These look filling and delicious! I love dried cranberries. Yum! Do you think cranberries and pineapple or mango would go together? I’m not crazy about apricots. And what is virgin coconut milk? Just unsweetened?
I keep wanting to make granola bars myself – then they don’t have all of those “extra” wierd ingredients!
Lesley – You’d love these then! 🙂
kat – Yeah, I figure I can get the balance I want for cheaper. 🙂
Shannon Marie – Yes, that would be a wonderful combo! It’s actually virgin coconut oil. It is a minimally processed, natural oil that has many health benefits. Much different than the hydrogenated coconut oil that gets a bad rap for being so unhealthy. I get mine from Tropical Traditions. It is expensive, but goes a long way. I usually play around with my grocery budget so that I save enough to invest in a couple jars once or twice a year. Here is a post I’ve done on the health benefits – https://www.fakefoodfree.com/2009/06/curious-about-coconut-oil.html
Emily – I agree. I like a lot of bars out there that have very few ingredients, but they weren’t working before my running. These seem to fit the bill, but I’m going to keep experimenting.
These look so delicious and your pictures are fantastic! I’m so glad I found your blog, consider me your newest follower! 🙂
http://www.cookskinny.blogspot.com/
Wow Lori….lots of baking around here…everything looks so yummy. Loved the apricot bars, apricot is my favorite fruit to bake with, it’s a touch of tart and sweet. I should definitely try this one.
Yeah, finding a good pre-run snack is pretty hard. Sometimes I just grab a date, other times I opt for a larabar mini or half of a larabar. Those seem to work pretty well. Your bar looks absolutely delicious though! Love the apricot cranberry mix!
These bars sounds like an awesome snack, with apricot and cranberry, such a delicious combination!
These look fabulous–I love the apricot and cranberry pairing. 😉
As I fellow runner, I share your concerns and thoughts and can only say that these look yummy. Cannot wait to give them a try.