Berry Oat Bars - a Taste of SUMMER!

So excited this year about our BLACKBERRY BUSH!  It is going OFF right now! I made this the other day and we are enjoying it topped with Tofu-Cashew Whipped Cream! So delicious! 

 Berry Oat Bars makes 9 large or 12 small bars

These berry-filled squares are super easy to make, oil-free, low in sugar and filled and anti-oxidant rich berries!  Tastes like summer in a healthier berry pie!

1 cup date or fig paste OR all-fruit berry jam

4 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) any type of berries – or a mix (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries for example)

¾ cup flour of your choice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats (rolled oats can be partially processed in a blender to create these)

1/3 cup chopped pecans or other nuts (optional)

2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ cup non-dairy milk or fruit juice (apple or orange or pineapple work well)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

3 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 Cinnamon topping: 

1 tablespoon powdered date sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1. In a small bowl, mix together the date/fig paste or all-fruit berry jam with the fresh or thawed berries.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 and lightly oil an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, flax and oats.
4. Make a well in the bottom of the oat mixture and add the non-dairy milk, the applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix well and add the nuts if using.
5. Cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with half of the dough and press it until smooth with wet hands.
6. Spread the jam mixture on top and crumble the remaining dough over the top.
7. Mix together the cinnamon topping and sprinkle generously on the top. 
8. Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
9. Cool in the pan completely and cut into bars.

WE HAVE ONE CRAZY BLACKBERRY BUSH!

It's a bit surprising to have this sort of plant in coastal Southern California!