- 1 2/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup oat flour (make this by processing steel cut, rolled, or whole oats in a blender or food processor or substitute another whole grain flour of your choice)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup any mix of chopped nuts (I used almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds)
- 1 cup any mix of chopped dried fruit (I used figs, prunes, and cherries)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or pieces
- 1/3 cup all natural smooth peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup (4 oz) unsweetened apple sauce
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/3 cup honey, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup (I used brown rice syrup)
- 1 tablespoon water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the edge. Lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed pan with cooking spray.
Stir together all the dry ingredients, including the dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate. In another bowl, mix remaining ingredients, stirring well. Mix together dry and wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Spread in the prepared pan and press firmly down to shape it together in the form of the pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until browned around the edges. It will still feel a little soft in the center. Cool for 20-30 minutes in the pan. Then, using the overhanging parchment paper, lift out of the pan and set on a board to cool completely. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container for a week or so.
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