Want something that’ll keep ya going for half a day? These bars are packed with good vibes, fat and calories.
This recipe has a ton of ingredients, so if you don’t have everything, don’t sweat it. Just double up on one or another ingredient. For example, if you don’t have hemp seeds, go ahead and use 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds instead. Or just use dates instead of dates and figs. Trust your instincts. Enjoy.
Ingredients:
2 Medjool dates, chopped
4 dried figs, chopped (if figs aren’t your thing, go full-on Medjool)
1 cup pure Maple syrup
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup raw almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, or cashews (or a combination of them)
1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup help seeds
1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8.5x4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the long sides so you can use it to lift out the finished loaf.
In a small saucepan, bring dates, figs and maple syrup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer until fruits are soft and the maple syrup has reduced a bit. Keep your eye on it and stir often. This takes about 8-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir on butter or coconut oil. Process the mix using an immersion blender or just mash it up really well with a fork and some patience. (Buy an immersion blender, trust me).
Toss all the nuts and seeds in a large bowl. Add the maple mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Scrape half of the oat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use a rubber spatula and press and pack the mixture down as best you can. Then add the rest of the mix and pack that down. The better you pack it in, the better your bars will hold together. DOn’t skimp on the packing!
Bake 45-50 minutes. The finished loaf will be darker in colors firm around the edges, with a slight give in the center.
Transfer to a wire cooling rack and let loaf cool completely in pan. Cut into 1/2 inch slices with a sharp knife.
If you want to crisp them up you can bake the slices on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Store: Wrap tightly or place in an airtight container for 5-7 days at room temperature.
Serve: Eat it straight up or as a topping for yogurt.
