Healthy Oatmeal Date Bars for 9 Servings

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan using the bottom of a glass to ensure it is tightly compressed.
4. Place pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add hot water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, then process until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy paste.
5. Spread the date paste evenly over the pressed oat base, smoothing the edges with a spatula.
6. Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the date layer.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden-brown and the top smells toasted.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing.