Katie Mae's Banana Blueberry Bars

These bars are terrific for an "on the go" breakfast or as a healthy mid afternoon snack to have with a mug of tea.  All whole ingredients, and a snap to make.  I used fresh blueberries because I prefer the texture, but frozen will work too. Try a schmear of fresh almond butter for even more moisture and an extra shot of protein and fiber.  

Ingredients

• 1 cup medjool dates, pitted and diced
• 1 1/2 cup apple jucie
• 1 cup oat flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 medium ripe bananas, diced
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup blueberries, frozen or fresh
• ½ cup walnuts

Instructions

1. Place pitted and diced dates in a bowl with the apple juice. Set aside and soak for at least 20 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the sides are lined as well (cut slits in the corners of the paper so that it overlaps).

3. Combine the flour, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl and set aside. Place the diced bananas, vanilla extract, apple juice, and dates into a blender and blend until creamy.

4. Pour the banana mixture into the dry ingredient bowl and mix with a fork. Fold in the blueberries and walnuts. Pour the batter into your baking dish and smooth the top so it is even. Bake for 30 minutes. Test for doneness by poking bars with a fork or knife. It should come out clean. The top should be a light brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Preparation: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 12 bars