Walnut Oat Breakfast Bars

Breakfast. It’s the one meal I never skip (kind of like all other meals to be honest). So there's a topic I'd like to discuss that goes even further than skipping meals... do you know someone who forgets to eat? This blows my mind. How can someone just casually forget to eat?!

"My stomach was grumbling, I was dizzy, my head was faint, and then I realized I forgot to eat," said me, never.

Bottom line, whether you skip/forget breakfast in the morning, let these vegan oat bars break your morning fast.

I strive to make meals easy on myself Monday through Friday, so I plan ahead. For my millennials — I meal prep. It's the easiest way to ensure you're eating right.

The work week is operation: I need to get on the road because I took too long debating what heels to put on. I’m sure many busy people feel the pressure of the clock, so I crafted these bars to a) keep it healthy and b) get you out the door quickly.

Mornings should start on the right note, which is why these bars are packed with good-for-you ingredients. I've used dates as a sticky, naturally sweet base to keep these guys intact. Chia seeds add a mild crunch while providing omega-3 fatty acids. Oh, and they taste good too. Always important.

Hoping these breakfast bars ease the rush of your mornings. And my lord, don't forget to eat!

May the inspiration found here find light in your kitchen.

XO//CATH​

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THE RECIPE

for the bars...

2 cups pitted dates

1 cup walnuts, chopped

3/4 cup coconut flour

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped, or dried blueberries (you choose)

2 Tbsp coconut oil

1 Tbsp chia seeds

1 Tbsp honey

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt for the glaze...

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1 Tbsp Almond milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Place your dates in a measuring cup and submerge them in water. Let sit for about 1 hour, then drain the water.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a blender, mix dates, water, vanilla, coconut oil, and spices. A paste-like consistency should form. Place the paste in a mixing bowl.

Add honey, flour, and salt. Stir ingredients together. Then, add your chia seeds, dried fruit, chopped walnuts, and oats. Fold these ingredients into the dough.

In a small baking pan (I used 7x11), line with parchment paper and add dough to the middle. Using your hands, press dough evenly down until it reaches the sides of pan.

Bake at 350°F for 20 mins.

Let cool for about 10 mins. Cut into 10 even slices, 5 bars on each side lengthwise. Using a small spoon, drizzle glaze on top. Enjoy!