Almond Joy Oat Bars (Soft & Chewy

• Vegan
• Gluten free

• Condiments

  • 2/3 cup Almond butter, creamy salted natural
  • 2/3 cup Maple syrup

• Pasta & Grains

  • 2 3/4 cup Quick oats

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 2/3 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips, dairy-free

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1/4 cup Coconut oil

• Nuts & Seeds

  • 1/3 cup Almonds
  • 1 cup Coconut, unsweetened
  • 1 tsp Coconut extract

Found on godairyfree.org

Ingredients

• ¼ cup + 1 teaspoon coconut oil, divided
• ⅔ cup creamy salted natural almond butter
• ⅔ cup maple syrup (see note below)
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (can sub vanilla or almond extract)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2¾ cup quick oats (I use Bobs Red Mill Certified Gluten Free)
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ⅔ cup dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds, crushed

Directions

• Place ¼ cup of the coconut oil in a medium pan over low to medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the almond butter, sweetener, extract, and salt, until smooth.
• Add the oats and coconut, and stir frequently as it cooks for 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken to more of a dough consistency and this will help to remove the raw taste of the oats.
• Remove from the heat and let cool for just a few minutes.
• Press the mixture into 16 muffin cups or an 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. If any oil comes to the surface, you can blot it with a paper towel (sometimes this happens, sometimes it doesnt, but its okay either way!).
• Refrigerate the bars to cool.
• Melt the chocolate chips with the remaining 1 teaspoon coconut oil. If using a pan, pour the chocolate over the bars and level out. If making oat cups, invert them onto a plate or wire rack and spread chocolate on the tops.
• Sprinkle the almond joy oat bars or cups with the sliced almond pieces. Refrigerate until set.
• If making bars, invert the block onto a cutting board, remove the parchment paper, and cut into small bars (yes, I cut them upside down).
• Store in the refrigerator or freezer to retain freshness. You can eat them straight from the refrigerator, freezer or at room temperature.