Cinnamon-Spiced Date and Oat Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• 1 cup pitted dates (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
• ½ cup almond flour (or any preferred flour)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Blend the dates: Drain the soaked dates and place them in a food processor. Blend until they form a smooth paste. You may need to add a tablespoon of water if it’s too thick.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and date paste until well combined.
5. Mix everything together: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated. If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them in at this stage.
6. Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it evenly into the pan, making sure it’s packed tightly.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
8. Slice and serve: Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!

These bars are perfect for a quick snack or a wholesome dessert. The dates provide natural sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a warm spice that pairs beautifully with the oats.