Blueberry and coconut energy bars (no bake energy bars)

Blueberry and coconut energy bars are sure to be a hit. Not only are they easy to make, no scales are needed, no cooking is involved and they even score well when it comes to the amount of washing up. The energy bars set in the fridge and can be stored in the fridge until needed. They are perfect for when out and about, for picnics and lunchboxes or simply as a healthier alternative to biscuits or cakes. The quantity below makes around 12 bars.

Ingredients for blueberry and coconut energy bars

• 20 dates, chopped
• 6 tablespoons oats
• 2 tablespoons dried blueberries
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
• Approximately 4 to 5 tablespoons honey
• Grated or desiccated coconut

Equipment needed

• A large baking bowl
• A large mixing spoon
• A board such as a pastry board (for coating with the coconut)
• A tray or plate to store in the fridge
• Foil

How to make blueberry and coconut energy bars

Place the chopped dates, oats, dried blueberries, pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips in a large baking bowl and mix.

Heat a tablespoon before measuring the honey. This can be done by placing the end of the spoon in the flame of a gas ring, immersing in a jug of hot water or by placing under the lid of an Aga. Add the honey to the other ingredients. I suggest starting with 4 fairly level tablespoons but add a little more if needed. Mix together to combine all the ingredients. The mixture will be stiff and very sticky at this stage.

Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape by hand to form a bar. I aimed for the approximate size and shape of a fish finger but you could make them larger or smaller if you prefer.

Roll each bar in the grated or desiccated coconut until all sides are covered, including the ends. This will make the energy bars less sticky to handle.

Place the bars on a plate or tray, cover with foil and leave to set in the fridge. This will usually take a minimum of 2 hours, but they can be left as long as you like.

Tips

1. Heat the tablespoon before measuring the honey so that it falls easily from the spoon. This can be done by placing in a jug of hot water or placing into the flame of a gas ring. If you have an Aga you can place the end of the spoon under the lid of one of the hot plates for a minute or so.
2. Store the blueberry and coconut energy bars covered with foil or in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to eat. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. The energy bars will be firm whilst cold but will soften a little as they reach room temperature.
3. While these energy bars are made with store cupboard ingredients, if you don't have any of the ingredients listed above, simply substitute equivalent items such as different types of dried fruit or seeds, to create your own version.
4. The energy bars are not only for eating when doing outdoor activities, they are also a tasty and healthy substitute for cakes and biscuits. They are perfect for picnics and kids' lunchboxes.