Oat & strawberry bars

Recipe

Ingredients:

Strawberry Layer:

🍓 3 cups fresh strawberries diced (you can use frozen but let them defrost completely and dump off liquid)

🍓 1/4 cup maple syrup

🍓 1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice (I used lime)

🍓 1-2 Tablespoons lemon zest

🍓 pinch of sea salt

🍓 2 Tablespoons tapioca starch

Oatmeal Layers:

🍓 2 1/2 cups rolled oats /

🍓 2 1/2 cups almond flour

🍓 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

🍓 pinch sea salt

🍓 1 cup maple syrup

🍓 1/2 cup coconut oil solid at room temperature

🍓 2 teaspoon lemon / lime juice (I used lime)

Method

In a small pot on medium heat, add diced strawberries, maple syrup, lime juice, lime zest and sea salt. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until strawberries have released a lot of the liquid. Stir in tapioca starch and let simmer for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and set aside while you make the oatmeal layer.

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees and line a baking dish with baking paper.

In a large mixing bowl combine rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda and sea salt. Once combined, add in maple syrup, coconut oil, lime juice and combine. Use your hands if it’s easier to break up clumps.

Set aside 1/2 of the oatmeal mix, press the other half onto your lined baking dish evenly. Add the strawberry filling on top and spread evenly. Use your hands to sprinkle the rest of the oatmeal mixture across the top of the strawberry filling.

Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden (make sure to use a timer if you always forget and tend to burn things like me!)

After baking, allow bars to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy.