Chewy Oat Bars

I was inspired to make these bars by my boyfriend, who eats some sort of breakfast or granola bar almost every day. Wanting to compete with his favorite brands, I found and modified this recipe to his liking while trying to be conscious of what was going in it! Unfortunately he doesn’t like bananas or I’d replace the butter and sugar with a couple very ripe bananas, but I still think they’re healthy compared to what’s out there. They’re easy to make and delicious-after cutting into squares I wrapped each one in foil which made for an easy on the go snack for several days! I plan on modifying this even more by trying out new fruits and nuts, and also want to experiment with the banana-butter/sugar substitution. If anyone has a good combination I should try, please let me know!

6 whole pitted dates, coarsely chopped

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup golden cane syrup

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

½ cup dried cherries or craisins

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup apple juice

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Lightly grease a 9in glass baking dish with cooking spray.

Place juice and dates in a food processor, and pulse until dates are finely chopped.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Stir in date mixture, salt, and syrup.

Cool for 5 minutes.

In a mixing bowl combine date mixture with oats, cherries, seeds, and chocolate (if using) until thoroughly mixed.

Spoon mixture into the greased pan and spread evenly with wet hands to avoid sticking.

Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden (be careful to not overcook and burn—its important to remember that the bars will continue cooking once you take them out of the oven).

Cool 10 minutes and refrigerate for 20 minutes before cutting into squares.