Soft-Baked Oat & Date Bars

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25-30

Servings: 12

::: Ingredients

1½ cups gluten-free rolled oats

1 cup almond flour

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped

⅓ cup maple syrup

¼ cup coconut oil, melted (or olive oil for a more neutral flavor)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon sea salt

2–3 tablespoons warm water (as needed for moisture)

Optional additions (gut-friendly):

¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

::: Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and sea salt.

• In a separate bowl, mix maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

• Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined.

• Fold in chopped dates and any optional additions.

• Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is thick but slightly sticky.

• Press mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden on top and set in the center.

• Cool completely before slicing into bars.
  

::: Notes & Variations

n/a