Chewy, tangy squares that are full of fibre and have no added sugar. They’re an amazing healthy snack.

1 cup chopped dried apricots
3/4 cup unsweetened orange juice
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 tbsp flaxseed meal
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsweetened orange juice
1 1/2 cups shredded apple (leave peels on for more fibre)

In a small saucepan, combine apricots and 3/4 cup of orange juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Mash or use an immersion blender until smooth.

While the apricots are simmering, combine oats, flour, flax, almonds, salt. In another bowl combine 1/4 cup juice and apple. Add in oat mixture and stir. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Pour half of oat mixture into a greased square 8″ pan. Spread evenly on the bottom of the pan. Spread apricot mixture on top.  Top with the remaining oat mixture.

Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.

This is a variation of my Apple Date Bar recipe. I really liked the combination of apricot and orange, they gave the squares so much flavour. Cole, unfortunately, wouldn’t try them. Every time he said he was hungry I offered him one, but he refused every time. Bennett ate them and liked them. I packed them in his lunch for daycare several times and they were always completely gone. I ate them as a mid-morning snack with my coffee. I felt good about eating them because they’re full of healthy ingredients. Having had gestational diabetes twice, I’m at high risk for developing diabetes and have to watch my sugar intake, so it’s wonderful to stumble onto a great-tasting snack with no added sugar like this one. There’s nothing in these squares to feel guilty about!