Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Almond Oat Bars Food

DARK CHOCOLATE CHERRY COCONUT ALMOND OAT BARS

Steps:

• To a food processor, add the oats, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until mixture is fine, almost flour-like. Add the dried cherries, almond butter, and honey, and pulse again until mixture is completely combined, and forms a "dough". If mixture seems too dry, add another tablespoon or two of honey or almond butter, or a handful of dried cherries. If it seems too wet, add another handful of oats.
• Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. Firmly press oat mixture into the bottom of the pan into an even layer. Set aside.
• Add chopped chocolate to a microwave safe bowl, and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between each. Be careful not to overheat, or else your chocolate will seize up! Mine took about 1½ minutes. Once chocolate is melted, add the coconut oil and stir until completely melted.
• Spread melted chocolate evenly over the oat layer. Decorate with halved cherries, flaked coconut, almonds, and generous pinches of flaky sea salt. Freeze for 20-30 minutes, or until chocolate layer is set.
• Using a sharp knife (I like to run mine under hot water first to warm it up!), cut into 12 bars. (Sometimes I like to cut them into even smaller, more bite sized pieces for a grab-and-go treat or smaller snack!)
• Bars will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 weeks!

CHERRY CHOCOLATE OAT BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Line a 14x10 pan with parchment paper.
• Whip the butter, applesauce, faxseed and brown sugar.
• Beat in egg, milk and vanilla extract.
• Stir in all flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
• Fold in oats, cherries, chocolate chips and coconut.
• Pour the wet mixture into the lined pan, spread evenly and bake for 30 - 35 minutes.