Begin by pitting and softening about 1 cup of Medjool dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they’re not fresh. Next, chop 1 cup of dried apricots into smaller pieces for easier blending.

In your food processor, combine the prepared Medjool dates and chopped dried apricots. Pulse until a sticky paste forms, around 1-2 minutes.

Once the base is ready, add ¼ cup of chia seeds, a dash of ground cinnamon, and ½ cup of raw pumpkin seeds into the processor. Blend briefly for about 30 seconds until the seeds are evenly mixed but still retain some crunch.

If you choose to include white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, add about ½ cup to the mixture now. Pulse for an additional 15-20 seconds.

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down firmly to create an even layer.

Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to set properly.

Once set, remove the pan from the refrigerator and lift out the energy bars using the parchment paper. Cut into desired portions.