Raspberry Almond Snack Bars

unnamed.jpg

Although there are a lot of healthy options for grab and go bars on the market now, I still find that a lot of them contain ingredients I'm looking to avoid such as soy, added sugar, and FODMAP ingredients. That's why when I actually do find time in my busy schedule to make a little extra something-something, I enjoy making my own bars. These raspberry almond bars can serve as a great snack or even as a breakfast bar. They have an oat base and a layer of delicious jam on top. Hubby gives them a 5 star rating, and they've been on demand ever since he's first tried them!

These bars are all natural, gluten free, soy free, and contain only natural sugar sources. I'm currently on an "added sugar" cleanse, so I'm only consuming sugars from fruits and other plant based foods. This is why I've chosen to use dates as my sweetener. However, if you are intolerant to dates (even a small serving contains high amounts of oligo-fructans, a known FODMAP), I'd opt for pure maple syrup which is tolerated by most people with IBS. 

Now let me share something funny about my opinion of raspberries. Growing up, I actually hated them. They were way too tart for my liking, and my face would scrunch up in distaste every time I decided to give them a go. I did, however, love raspberry flavored things such as Jelly Rings and the jam spread between the layers of tri-colored cookies (yes, my childhood was filled with lots of delectables!). Once I learned where raspberry "flavor" came from, I once again scrunched up my face in distaste and promised myself I'd avoid artificially flavored raspberry treats. Don't know what I'm talking about? Go ahead and google it, but don't say I didn't give you fair warning! (haha)

Anyway, years later, I now can appreciate the tangy, yet sweet taste of raspberries. My favorite ways to eat them are frozen in smoothies, in homemade jams, and the freeze-dried kind as snacks or toppings to smoothie bowls. I've been using the brand, Nature's All Foods, which are organic and non-GMO. I do know that Whole Foods sells their own brand as well. They definitely are very sweet and tart at the same time, so a little goes a long way with these guys. 

| Prep Time: 15 minutes to make + 30 minutes to cool | 
Cook Time: 10 minutes | Yields: 12 square bars
5.jpg

Ingredients:

Jam:

  • 1 1/4 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 pitted Medjool dates

Bars:

  • 2.5 cups gluten free quick cooking rolled oats
  • 1 cup freeze dried raspberries 
  • 4 pitted Medjool dates
  • 1/3 cup almond slices
  • 2 tbsp. cacao nibs
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • Few pinches of himalayan salt

Directions:

To make Jam:

  1. Add frozen raspberries, chia seeds, and dates to a high speed blender 
  2. Pulse and blend
  3. Transfer to a pan
  4. On low heat, cook the ingredients until they become jelly like and smooth
  5. Set aside

 

To make Bars:

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
  2. Add 1/2 of the oats, half of the coconut oil, and all of the other ingredients to a high speed blender
  3. Blend until a powdery mixture forms
  4. Add in the remaining oats and coconut oil
  5. Blend again into powder
  6. You may need to add a tiny bit more coconut oil to facilitate blending
  7. Grease a baking pan- I used a 6 cup rectangular glass pyrex which measures 8.75" L x 6.75" W x 3.375" H, and this recipe yielded 12 square bars
  8. Pour powder mixture into the baking pan and use your hands to pack the base down evenly.
    • If you used the noted amount of coconut oil, the mixture should hold together nicely at this point
  9. Spread the raspberry jam evenly on top
  10. *Optional: Finely chop up some extra cacao nibs and sprinkle on top
  11. Bake for just 10 minutes at 300 degrees F.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool
  13. Refrigerate for about a half hour to ensure the bars hold together perfectly
  14. Set aside
  15. Once at room temperature, cut into square bars and enjoy!

*These can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature.

7.jpg