Vegan Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Vegan Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

When we think about oatmeal, we probably think boring...mush...tasteless. It's a breakfast item we all grew up with and don't give it much thought, but what if we changed up our point of view on it. Oatmeal doesn't have to be boring and making it delish and portable is a great reason to have it for breakfast or an on the go snack with a boost. We see oatmeal bars in stores and have enjoyed them but why buy them when we can make them just as fast as a trip to the store?

This recipe shows you how to make those familiar oatmeal bars that not only tote how healthy they are but also can be pricey. These bars are cheaper, have great vitamins, and vegan all wrapped in a sweet-oaty-treat. You can choose to eat it on the go in the AM or enjoy it as a afternoon pick me up. A great alternative to the store bought kind and much tastier, serve this bar with your favorite breakfast drink and change up the fruit for whenever your craving a specific bar. You can't go wrong and you will change your view if oatmeal after the first bite. Enjoy! 

Vegan Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

1 cup vegan butter or coconut shortening
1 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
1 1/2 cup Quick-Cook Oats
1 cup packed vegan Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons ground flax seed
2 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup organic Strawberry Preserves

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 or 8 x 10 baking dish.

Using a stand mixer (or by hand), mix together the flour, oats, ground flax, sesame seeds, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. 

Sprinkle half the mixture into the prepared waiting pan and pat lightly to pack it in the pan as your bottom layer. 

Spoon strawberry preserves evenly over the surface, then use a spatula to evenly spread it around the first layer. 

Once your jam is on, sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly again to make your top layer.

*Sprinkle with a little cinnamon. (Optional) 

Place pan in the oven and bake until light golden brown on top, about 30 to 40 minutes.

 

Remove from the oven and let cool in pan. Once cooled, cut into portioned squares and serve. Pairs great for breakfast or after school snack with a big cold glass of vegan milk. Enjoy! 

-Amy