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Fruit 'n Oatmeal Cookie Bars
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Fruit 'n Oatmeal Cookie Bars

This is a throwback recipe that I used to make all the time. When I pulled it out of my old recipe binder, I realized how easily it could be veganized and made gluten-free. It's crunchy, not too sweet and can serve as a dessert or even as a breakfast item. You can use any store-bought fruit jam you like, or to be really healthy you can make your own chia jam. So simple yet so delicious-- one of our favorite cookie bars!
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Fruit and Oatmeal Cookie Bars, Vegan Cookie Bars, Quick and Easy Vegan Cookie Bars
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, either light or dark coconut sugar works as well
  • 1 heaping cup flour non-gluten, rice flour, oat flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 heaping cup rolled oats organic is best
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened Recommend Country Crock Plant Butter
  • 1/2-3/4 cup fruit jam, seedless- strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, peach, apricot, blackberry any fruit jam you like, sugar-free jam or Chia Jam (recipe below)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degree. Line an 8" square pan with lightly greased parchment paper. You can use greased foil if you don't have parchment paper.
  • Combine all the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Mix in the softened butter until combined; it may be a bit crumbly which is fine. Press about 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. It may seem thin, but should spread enough to cover the bottom, Dampen your hands to press it out.
  • Spread the jam over the crust to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Dollop on the remaining batter and lightly press it into the jam.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned. If using parchment paper, lift sides to remove from pan. Cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

CHIA JAM:  
1 lb fresh fruit:  strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apricots
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp lemon juice
  1. Slice larger fruits (other than small berries) into small pieces. 
  2. In a pot over medium heat, combine the fruit, maple syrup and lemon juice.  Simmer for 5-7 minutes, using your spoon to break the fruit down. 
  3. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the fruit, then turn off the heat. 
  4. Stir in the chia seeds and transfer the jam to a storage container.  Place in the fridge to cool.