Wholesome Strawberry Oat Bars: A Nut-Free Delight
Have you ever found yourself craving something sweet, wholesome, and utterly satisfying? Look no further! These strawberry oat crumble bars are not only a delightful treat, but they're also a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. They're nut-free and vegan, proving that delicious and inclusive baking is absolutely possible.
Rediscovering Simple Pleasures
Let's take a moment to appreciate the simple things in life, like a spoonful of good quality strawberry jam. It's a burst of sweet, fruity goodness that can instantly bring joy. These bars bring together the nostalgic taste of jam with the hearty goodness of oats and sunflower seeds, creating a snack that is both comforting and nutritious.
The Magic of a Vegan Caramel
The real game-changer in this recipe is the caramel-like sauce that binds the crust together. Made from coconut oil, maple syrup, and a touch of brown rice syrup and sunflower seed butter, it creates a rich, decadent flavor. Who knew vegan caramel could be so amazing and easy to make?
The Perfect Snack
These bars are a perfect option for any time of day! With a taste reminiscent of peanut butter and jelly (but without the peanuts!), they're a great snack for kids and adults alike. The subtle nuttiness from the sunflower seeds perfectly complements the sweet pops of jam, making each bite a delightful experience.
Recipe Highlights:
- Allergy-Friendly: These bars are nut-free and vegan, making them suitable for many dietary needs.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with oats, sunflower seeds, coconut oil, and natural sweeteners like maple and brown rice syrup.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and can be made in under an hour.
- Versatile: Perfect as an after-school snack, a healthy dessert, or a quick breakfast on the go.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups strawberry jam
- 1 cup hulled sunflower seeds
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons brown rice syrup
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seed butter
Instructions:
- If desired, roast the sunflower seeds at 325°F (160°C) for 9-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine sunflower seeds, oats, and salt until you have a coarse flour.
- In a pot, melt coconut oil over low heat, then whisk in maple syrup, brown rice syrup, and sunflower seed butter. Pour this mixture into the food processor and process until the dough comes together.
- Set aside 1 1/2 cups of oat mixture for topping. Press the remaining dough into the pan to create the crust and prebake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Spread the jam evenly over the crust, then top with the reserved oat mixture.
- Bake for 14-18 minutes, until the topping is lightly firm. Let cool completely, then lift out and slice into bars.
Notes:
- You can use other types of jam if you prefer.
- If you don't have sunflower seed butter, other seed butters will work well, almond or cashew would be fine.
Final Thoughts
These strawberry oat crumble bars are a delightful treat that you can feel good about eating and sharing. They're a perfect blend of sweet, wholesome, and satisfying, making them a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking!