Chocolate Chip Flax and Oat Bars
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
These deliciously sweet bars have a wonderful chewy and crunchy texture. Please note that the Prep-time is hands-on time only. Allow an hour or more for cooling and refrigerating.
Author:
Recipe type: Snack
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 to 12 servings
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or evaporated cane juice
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or sustainable palm oil
  • ½ cup peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or your favorite nut or seed butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Generous pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 1 cup quick or rolled oats (certified gluten-free, if needed)
  • 1 cup unsweetened crispy rice cereal
  • ½ cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life)
Instructions
  1. Add the sweeteners and oil to a medium saucepan or skillet. Place the pan over low heat, and gently warm, while whisking, until the sugar crystals have dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the nut or seed butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Remove from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for a couple of minutes.
  3. Stir in the flaxseed, followed by the oats and cereal.
  4. Now you have two choices with the chocolate chip. If you want the chocolate chips to stay intact, let the mixture cool for few more minutes, and then stir in the chocolate chips. Or, if you are antsy like me, stir in the chocolate chips right away. They may melt a little against the warm pan, but I like them that way.
  5. The mixture will be crumbly, but that is okay. Press it firmly into a greased or parchment-lined 8x8-inch pan or into 10 to 12 silicone muffin cups (use plastic wrap or parchment to press it in if it is too sticky). Make sure it is packed in there nicely, then place the bars into the freezer to chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  6. Cut into bars or pop them out and eat. I store them in the refrigerator. This keeps the bars fresh and from getting too soft. They also freeze well.
Recipe by Go Dairy Free at https://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/chocolate-chip-flax-and-oat-bars