Homemade Oat Bars – NO SUGAR ADDED

So, I can’t take full credit for these Oat bars because it is a spin off inspired by another recipe I once found online and I made modifications to it by removing all added sugar. Problem is, I can’t find that recipe to give credit. Nonetheless, here it is: (PSA: These can be extremely addictive, convenient and guilt free!)

• 3 cups of large flake oatmeal
• ~ 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
• ~ 1/4 cup Thompson Raisins
• ~ 1/4 cup of Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
• 1 cup of Unsweetened Organic Applesauce
• 1/2 cup of Skim Milk
• A dash of Salt
• 2 tbs of Vanilla Extract
• 2 Omega-3 eggs
• 2 very ripe bananas
• OPTIONAL:
• Walnuts, almosts, seeds etc – I can’t include these in my recipe because my husband has a severe allergy, but these bars would probably be delicious with a little crunch. Plus the health benefits from some nuts and seeds are astronomical…so go nuts (no pun intended)
• Chia Seeds – small handful
• Some Flax
• Feel free to interchange the fruit. Cranberries and raisins aren’t the healthiest, but we love them….everything in moderation

1. Pre-heat the over to 400°F
2. Add all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well
3. The consistency should be well blended; not too wet or too dry
4. For this recipe, I use a 11″ x 9″ glass baking dish. If you want to make more or less, simply adjust the ingredients respectively
5. Spray the dish with some cooking spray and then line it with some parchment paper. I use the cooking spray to ensure the parchment paper adheres. (TIP: Parchment paper is an amazing way to save yourself from having to use sprays or grease when baking)
6. Bake for 23 minutes or until it is light golden brown
7. Let cool for about 15 min
8. Cut into desirable squares
9. Remove from pan and pack them away into a tupperware while they’re still slightly warm. This will ensure they stay soft.
10. I usually leave them on the counter with the lid on over night and then refrigerate starting the next morning. I’ve found them to be delicious for up to 5 – 6 days….not that they ever last that long

Please leave your comments/questions below – I’d also love to hear about any modifications you’ve made that worked well for you.

P.S. Be prepared to have to share the recipe with whoever gets a taste test. All of my family and friends that have tried them requested the recipe immediately! w00+

xxxo