Apricot Slice (No Added Sugar, Packed with Healthy Fats & Fibre!)

When it comes to skin health and overall wellness, what you eat matters. This naturally sweetened apricot slice is loaded with skin-loving nutrients, making it a delicious, nutritious snack, especially for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.

Rich in collagen-boosting gelatin, vitamin C-packed apricots, and fibre-filled chia seeds, this slice not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also supports your skin, gut, and hormonal health. Let’s dive into why this recipe is more than just a treat!

Why This Apricot Slice is a Skin & Hormone Superfood

1. Gelatin: A Natural Collagen Booster

Gelatin is an excellent source of collagen, which plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and hydration—key factors in reducing signs of aging (Zdzieblik et al., 2015). Research suggests that consuming collagen regularly can improve skin integrity, elasticity, and hydration, particularly as we age (Rippe & Angelopoulos, 2023). For women in perimenopause and post-menopause, when collagen loss accelerates, this is a game-changer for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Apricots: A Vitamin C Powerhouse

Apricots are high in vitamin C, a vital nutrient for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and skin integrity (Kocyigit et al., 2022). Vitamin C is essential for neutralising free radicals, preventing oxidative damage, and supporting a youthful complexion (Pullar et al., 2017). Since estrogen plays a role in collagen production, and its levels decline in menopause, getting enough vitamin C becomes even more critical for skin health and overall vitality.

3. Chia Seeds: A Gut-Boosting Fibre Source

Chia seeds provide soluble fibre, which supports gut health, digestion, and blood sugar balance. A healthy gut is directly linked to better skin, improved mood, and balanced hormones, making this a perfect addition for women managing hormonal shifts during perimenopause and beyond.

4. Nuts & Coconut: Healthy Fats for Hormonal Balance

Healthy fats from macadamias, cashews, and coconut support hormonal balance, brain function, and skin hydration. These fats also slow digestion, keeping blood sugar stable, which is essential for reducing inflammation and maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day.

How to Make This Skin-Nourishing Apricot Slice

Ingredients (Makes 16 Slices)

• 200g desiccated coconut

• 275g oats

• 200g macadamias/cashews (or a mix of both)

• 300g raisins

• 100g melted butter

• 700g canned apricots (drained)

• 30g gelatin (sheets or powder)

• 2 tbsp white chia seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (fan-forced). Line a square baking tray with baking paper.

2. Make the base: In a food processor, blend the coconut, oats, and nuts until a fine powder forms. Add raisins and blend again until a cohesive mixture forms.

3. Add melted butter and process until the mixture comes together like a dough.

4. Press the dough into the lined tray evenly to create a base. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

5. Prepare the apricot layer: In a food processor, blend drained apricots until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan and gently warm with the chia seeds.

6. Prepare the gelatin:

   • If using sheets: Soak in cold water for 5 minutes until soft, then drain and stir into the warm apricot mixture.

   • If using powder: Sprinkle over 60ml of cold water, let it absorb for a few minutes until thick, then stir into the warm apricot mixture.

7. Assemble the slice: Pour the apricot mixture over the baked base and spread evenly. Refrigerate overnight to set.

8. Slice and serve! Use a hot knife to cut into 16 pieces. Store in the fridge for 3-5 days.

A Nourishing Treat for Skin & Hormone Health

This apricot slice isn’t just a delicious snack—it’s a nutrient-packed, skin-loving, hormone-balancing powerhouse. With the combined benefits of collagen-boosting gelatin, vitamin C-rich apricots, gut-friendly chia seeds, and healthy fats, it’s an ideal choice for women looking to support healthy aging, balanced hormones, and glowing skin.

Curious about why oats are so good for you? Read my blog post on how oats support hormone balance, PCOS, and menopause [here].

Looking for more hormone-friendly recipes? Try out my Pistachio, Rose, & Chocolate Slice, that uses a similar base to this recipe. Sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Instagram for science-backed nutrition tips tailored for women’s health! 💛

References

Kocyigit, A., Guler, E. M., & Hazman, O. (2022). Apricots and their benefits: A review. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9370680/

Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5579659/

Rippe, J. M., & Angelopoulos, T. J. (2023). Collagen peptides and their effects on skin aging. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10180699/

Zdzieblik, D., Oesser, S., Gollhofer, A., et al. (2015). Collagen peptide supplementation and skin aging. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31187836/