Apple Cinnamon Energy Bars

Chewy, no bake, gluten free Apple Cinnamon Energy Bars are the perfect pre or post workout snack! Easy to make, no weird ingredients and way better than anything you can buy!

Happy October! I think I say this every month, but I can’t believe how fast the months are going by. Summer is a distant memory and I am really missing it. It’s a good thing fall is a beautiful time to be living in Colorado, or I might be more upset. The trees have almost all started turning color, our temperatures are in the 60’s and low 70’s and I find myself looking for a sweatshirt at night now. One thing I always have to adjust to every fall is never knowing what type of clothes I’ll be running in and running in the dark.

When I get ready for my morning run it’s pitch black outside and sometimes it can feel a little intimidating to have to go out in what feels like the middle of the night. I always come downstairs with extra clothes because I never know exactly how cold it’s going to be until I step outside. Ideally I like to be able to run in shorts as long as possible, but I know there won’t be many of those days left. I’ve only run with a light pair of gloves on twice this fall, but they will be a necessity in a couple weeks I’m sure. Cold, numb, hands are my number one problem trying to keep warm and it frustrates me every year. On really cold days I’ll stick hand warmers in my gloves, but within 30 minutes of my run they’re useless, even though it says they’ll last 8 hours.

The darkness in the morning is another struggle for me. I like to run on the trails near our house, but it’s so dark now I can hardly see where I’m going. I’m sure if I keep it up I’ll do a faceplant into the dirt. I’m thinking of buying a headlamp although I hate having anything extra on me except my Garmin when I run. Any recommendations or suggestions on how to light my way on the trails?

Okay, enough about my running dilemmas let’s talk about how in love with these Apple Cinnamon Energy Bars I am. Hands down they beat anything I’ve ever bought at the store and they’re a lot cheaper too! They have all the flavors of apple pie and they’re the perfect fuel or recovery bar for your workout. Not only do the Apple Cinnamon Energy Bars taste great, but they’re easy to make and use ingredients that you should be able to find at any grocery store. Make a batch today and enjoy them before or after your workouts all week long!

Apple Cinnamon Energy Bars

Yield: 9 bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 cup medjool dates, pits removed
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried apples, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Process dates in a food processor until they form a "dough" like consistency, mine rolled up into a ball.
2. In a medium sized bowl heat the almond butter and maple syrup in the microwave until warm, about 15-30 seconds.
3. Whisk together along with the water and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add the oats, dried apples, cinnamon and pinch of salt to the almond butter mixture and stir together with a rubber spatula until combined.
5. Use your hands to break the date "dough" up into small pieces and disperse it into the mixture.
6. Mix it in with the rubber spatula until combined.
7. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap then dump the mixture in.
8. Spread it out into and even layer then use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to firmly press the mixture down into the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes then remove the energy bars from the baking dish and cut into 12 pieces.
10. Store the bars in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container and separate the bars individually with parchment paper or plastic so they don't stick to each other.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194 Total Fat: 5g Saturated Fat: 0g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 21mg Carbohydrates: 37g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 24g Protein: 4g

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