1 cup pitted dates
1 cup unsweetened apple juice
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp flaxseed meal
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
1 1/2 cups shredded apple (leave peels on for more fibre)
1/4 cup quick oats
In a small saucepan, combine dates and apple juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Use a masher to mash up the dates.
While the dates are simmering, combine oats, flour, cinnamon, flax, walnuts, salt. In another bowl combine juice and apple. Add in oat mixture and stir. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Pour oat mixture into a greased square 8″ pan. Spread evenly on the bottom of the pan. Spread date mixture on top. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of oats.
Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.
I am so happy with how these turned out. They’re a wonderful healthy alternative to the store-bought granola bars that are full of sugar. They only have the natural sweetness of the dates and apples, and trust me, they’re plenty sweet! My kids devoured them and so did the adults.
My kids like to whine, especially when it comes to the food they eat, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to make tasty and healthy meals for them. Follow along as I share family-friendly recipes and reviews from my picky family members, who I lovingly call “The Whine Critics.” 
