| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 385 | 21g | 9g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 6g | 7g | 0.2g |
Why I Love Canadian Vegan Oatmeal Bars with Saskatoon Berries, Almond Glaze and Toasted Coconut
Love at First Bite
Among the countless recipes that I’ve encountered throughout my culinary journey, the Vegan Oatmeal Bars with Saskatoon Berries, Almond Glaze and Toasted Coconut always stand out. This iconic dish brings together the rich flavors of hearty oats, sweet Saskatoon berries, creamy almond butter, and tropical toasted coconut into a deliciously balanced delight. But what really brings a smile to my face is the subtle hint of Maple syrup; it’s nothing short of a heartwarming nod to our northern neighbors and their timeless culinary traditions.
This recipe reminds me somewhat of the classic Almond Joy bars – but with a substantial, healthier twist. And the inspiration? For this gem, I turned towards Alice Waters, a respected figure in the culinary world who always champions for fresh and natural ingredients. The way she effortlessly combines health and taste together in her recipes resonates with my own philosophy towards cooking.
A Perfect Harmony of Flavors
What I truly appreciate about this recipe is the wonderful interplay of textures and flavors. The juicy Saskatoon berries lend a unique tartness that is balanced by the underlying sweetness of the Maple syrup. The crunchy toasted coconut and chopped almonds inject a nice crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft, moist texture of the oatmeal bar. A word of caution though, these bars are addictive. One taste and you’ll be reaching for more.
In terms of pairings, these bars make a fantastic companion to a steaming cup of green tea or a glass of full-bodied Chardonnay. The delicate bitter notes of green tea or richness of the wine beautifully underscore the sweet and tart components of these bars. If you are planning a brunch or a picnic, these handy bars would make a perfect addition.
So whether you’re looking to embrace the vegan diet, indulge your sweet tooth or simply want to try something new, the Vegan Oatmeal Bars with Saskatoon Berries, Almond Glaze and Toasted Coconut might just be your next favorite recipe. After all, wholesome, satisfying and delicious is a triad that’s hard to beat.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Saskatoon berries
- 1 cup Rolled oats
- 1 cup Almond flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/4 cup Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Almond butter
- 2 tbsp Flaxseeds, ground
- 1/3 cup Almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup Icing sugar, vegan
- 1/2 cup Shredded coconut, toasted
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Grease a square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhangs for easy removal.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda and sea salt.
Step Three
In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, combine the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and almond butter. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until it is warm and easy to stir.
Step Four
Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well until they are thoroughly combined. Add the ground flaxseeds and fold the Saskatoon berries into the mixture.
Step Five
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it down firmly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step Six
Meanwhile, prepare the almond glaze by combining the chopped almonds, almond milk, and vegan icing sugar in a bowl. Stir until it turns into a smooth glaze.
Step Seven
Once the oatmeal bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out of the pan with the help of the parchment paper and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Eight
Drizzle the cooled oatmeal bars with the almond glaze and sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes over the top. Allow the glaze to set before cutting the bars into squares. Enjoy these Vegan Oatmeal Bars with Saskatoon Berries, Almond Glaze and Toasted Coconut either for breakfast or as a healthy snack option.
