Oatmeal Bars

Enjoy these chocolatey bars as a treat, while knowing that the banana, almond flour, and fiber-rich oatmeal and figs are heart-healthy ingredients.

Oatmeal Bars

For PDF copy of recipe, Oatmeal Bars

Makes 18 squares (1 inch)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup oatmeal (quick cooking whole grain)
• 3 figs
• 3 medjool dates
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)
• 1/4 cup coconut chips/flakes
• 1 cup almond flour

Topping:

• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas with oatmeal.
2. Finely dice figs and dates or pulse in food processor.
3. Add figs and dates to oatmeal mixture along with almond butter and mix until well blended.
4. Fold in remaining ingredients into mixture.
5. Press mixture into prepared 9-inch square baking dish.
6. Bake at 350º for 20 minutes in preheated oven.
7. Remove and let cool.
8. For topping, melt 1/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
9. Spread melted chocolate on top of baked oatmeal dish. Cool completely in refrigerator.
10. Cut into 1 inch square bars and serve.