Caramel Apple Bars (Printable Version)

Chewy bars made with sweet date caramel, oats, and dried apples. A portable vegan and gluten-free treat you'll want no matter the season.

# Ingredients:

→ Sweets & Fruits

01 - 1 1/2 cups chopped dried apples
02 - 2 cups dates with pits removed
03 - 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

→ Nuts & Grains

04 - 1/4 cup flaxseeds, whole
05 - 1 cup roughly chopped almonds
06 - 2 cups of rolled oats

→ Liquids & Spices

07 - 1/2 cup plain water
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor
09 - 4 tablespoons coconut oil
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon spice

# Steps:

01 - Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Spread flaxseeds, oats, and almonds onto a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them around now and then, until they're lightly golden.
02 - Lightly grease an 8x8 pan, add a parchment paper layer, then grease it again so nothing sticks.
03 - Toss the dates and water into a food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides a few times to ensure everything’s mixed well.
04 - Pour the blended dates into a sturdy pot with the coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Heat on medium, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes until it darkens a bit.
05 - Gently mix the toasted oat-almond blend into your cooked date base. Add the dried apple bits while stirring, so everything's evenly combined.
06 - Move the combined mixture to the prepared pan. Use parchment paper to press it down tightly and create an even layer.
07 - Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge until firm, at least 2 hours. When ready, lift the mix out using parchment and cut it into 12 even bars.

# Notes:

01 - Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, layered with parchment paper inside an airtight container.
02 - Wrap bars one by one for quick snacks on the go.
03 - They’ll be fine out of the fridge for about 5 hours, as long as it’s not too hot or sunny.