Strawberry Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 1 cup Rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup Almond flour (or any other nut flour)
• 1/3 cup Maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup Coconut oil (melted)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder (for leavening)
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt (to enhance sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons Chia seeds (mixed with 6 tablespoons of water to make chia gel)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (for brightness)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, mix the chia seeds with water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to form a gel.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. 4

   Add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and chia gel to the dry ingredients, and mix well until combined.

5. 5

   Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

6. 6

   In another bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with lemon juice and distribute them evenly over the crust.

7. 7

   Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the strawberry layer.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

9. 9

   Allow to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into bars.

10. 10

    Enjoy your strawberry bars fresh or store them for later!