Raw Apricot Orange and Coconut Bars

Making your own bars is surprisingly easy. In fact, this recipe took less than 10 minutes to prepare (not including the soaking of ze apricots).

1 cup dried apricots
1 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut plus a little extra for dusting
1  1/2 cup almond meal
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup if you’re vegan)
1 tsp vanilla extract
zest of one orange
juice of half an orange

Chocolate topping (optional):
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 heaped tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Soak the apricots in lukewarm water for 15 minutes then drain

Add all ingredients to a food processor and whizz away until the mixture starts to come together like a dough

Line a small tray with baking paper, and press the mixture in evenly

Dust with extra desiccated coconut then place in freezer for 1/2 hour

Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into 2cm by 4 cm rectangles

For the chocolate topping, melt together the coconut oil and honey in a small saucepan on low heat

Once the oil and honey have melted, add the cacao and vanilla, and whisk until smooth

Remove saucepan from heat and leave chocolate sauce to cool slightly (this will allow the sauce to thicken a little bit)

Using a spoon, drizzle the sauce over the bars

Place the bars in the fridge for about 10-20 minutes to harden before nom nom.