I call these Apple Date Bars the perfect adult dessert because they aren’t too sweet, and yet they satisfy those sweet cravings that we tend to have after dinner. Even better, they are full of healthy fats, so we don’t need to eat a huge piece and yet we still stay satisfied for longer.
I have to admit, when I am in a rush in the morning, I sometimes have this for breakfast. Not that I would recommend it every single day, but its a great fallback option for those crazy ‘spilled my coffee on my shirt, couldn’t find my keys and had to scrape all the snow off the car‘ days.
Now if you are looking for the ultimate foodie experience, then I highly recommend serving these Apple Date Bars with a big dollop of Coconut Whipped Cream on top. There is nothing like the combination of warm apples, crispy crust, and cool, fluffy whipped cream to give your tastebuds the ultimate 3-D experience.
Apple Date Bars
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Ingredients
- CRUST
- 1 tsp melted coconut oil, for the pan
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup gluten-free flour mix
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- FILLING
- 2 cups chopped and peeled apples
- 2 cups (about 20) Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a square glass pan with coconut oil.
- In a small bowl mix warm water with flaxseed and let stand for about 5-10 minutes until a thick paste forms.
- In the meantime add oats, flour, coconut, sugar, cinnamon, sea salt and melted coconut oil to your food processor.
- Once flaxseed mixture is ready, add to the food processor, then mix until the crust starts to stick together and a dough-like texture forms.
- Spread 1/2 of the crust evenly on the bottom of your pan and press down with your fingers. Set rest of the crust aside.
- Place apples, dates, water and cinnamon in a medium pot. Bring to boil, then lower heat and cook for about 10-12 mins or until apples are softened.
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut sugar and vanilla, then place in food processor and blend for about 1 minute. Some texture will remain.
- Pour apple mixture on top of the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crust on top (like a crumble topping).
- Bake in oven for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly. Serve warm with Coconut Whipped Cream on top.
