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–+ servings

Easy Apple & Date Oat Bars (No Banana)

These Easy Apple & Date Oat Bars are soft, naturally sweet and made without banana! Combining porridge oats, grated apples, dates and warming cinnamon, they're perfect for breakfast on the go, school lunchboxes or a homemade afternoon snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Snack
Servings 12

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 120 g dried dates
  • 200 g porridge oats
  • 2 medium sweet eating apples peeled & grated (approximately 200g)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 125 ml milk
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 30 g pumpkin seeds optional
  • 80 g chocolate melted optional

Instructions
 

  • Soak the dried dates in boiling water for 10 minutes. Discard the water.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. Line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking tin with parchment paper.
  • Add the porridge oats, cinnamon and baking powder to a large mixing bowl, stir to combine.
  • Finely chop the softened dates and add them to the bowl, along with the grated apple.
  • Whisk the eggs, milk and honey together then pour into the bowl.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin and spread evenly, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds if using.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and set in the centre.
  • Allow to cool completely in the tin before cutting into 12 bars.
  • Optional topping: Melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave or in a bowl over hot water. Drizzle the tops of bars melted chocolate. Chill to set, and enjoy.
  • Fridge: Store the cooled oat bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Because they contain fresh apple, eggs and milk, I recommend the fridge rather than storing at room temperature.
  • Freezer: Freeze individually or layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or reusable food bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Defrosting: Remove the required number of bars from the freezer and defrost overnight in the fridge. They're delicious served cold or gently warmed.
  • Lunchbox Tip: These make a lovely homemade school snack. Leave out the optional pumpkin seeds if your school has specific seed restrictions, and pack chilled with an ice pack.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch, slice into individual portions and freeze. They're perfect for those busy mornings when you need something homemade ready to go.
Keyword Lunch Box
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