Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 2 medium apples, diced
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the spices.
- Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a small saucepan, add the chopped dates and diced apples along with ¼ cup of water. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the fruit softens and blends into a natural syrupy consistency.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: To the softened fruit mixture, stir in the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Then, pour this wet mixture into the bowl with oats and spice mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Press and Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly to create a compact base. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bars are golden and set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into 9 bars for serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute the coconut oil with almond butter.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
