January 10, 2024

Diane’s Oat & Prune Bars

For the prune filling

1 cup pitted prunes, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the oat mixture

2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup flour; all purpose, cassava, coconut, etc

1/2 cup brown sugar

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 unsweetened applesauce (if using sweetened applesauce cut brown sugar to 1/4   cup)

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray an 8X8 baking dish with canola or olive oil spray. Set aside. For thinner bars use a 10x10 baking dish.

Make the filling:

Combine all ingredients in food processor and process until blended and a moist paste.

Make the oatmeal mixture:

Combine oats, flour, brown sugar and salt in a large bowl.

Incorporate butter into dry ingredients with hands. Add applesauce and mix until fully combined.

Assemble:

Place half of the oat mixture in the pan a press down to create the bottom layer.

Gently spread the prune mixture over the bottom layer.

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top and lightly spread to cover the prune mixture.

Press down gently.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is lightly brown.

Let cool completely and cut into squares.

Enjoy!

NOTE: For an even more simple preparation, mix the filling with the oat mixture, roll into balls and bake as directed.

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