Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Can you believe it is almost Easter?  I cannot believe how fast this year is already going by.  It only gets worse I hear.  The more kids you have, the faster it goes.  I am trying my best to soak up these minutes with my not-so newborn.  He's seven months in a couple days.  It physically hurts me to type that out. 
 
Fortunately for me, I have a batch of these fresh out of the oven waiting for me to devour.  These are sure to help cope with my baby growth depression.  They are outrageously scrumptious.  And guilt free!  Oh yes, even I was shocked. 

 

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

YEILD: 16 squares

 

ingredients:

1 1/2 cups spelt or oat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut or date sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup to 1 cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup applesauce
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch stevia, or 2 tbsp xylitol
2 tbsp molasses, if you do not care for molasses flavor, you can substitute with honey or agave

directions:

 Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and line the bottom of an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the first 6 ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together all liquid ingredients, then pour wet over dry and stir to form a batter.

Spoon into the prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes. Allow bars to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!  Bars keep best by wrapping individually in saran wrap and stored in a glass or plastic container.



Recipe adapted by Chocolate Covered Katie