Healthy Plum Slice

Discover a delectable blend of sweet and wholesome in our Plum and Almond Oat Bars. These bars are a delightful treat, combining juicy plums, earthy almond meal, and nourishing rolled oats into layers of flavor and texture. With a base that’s as inviting as it is nutritious and a fruity filling that’s kissed by maple syrup, each bite is a celebration of natural sweetness and indulgence. These bars are perfect for any time of day – from a quick snack to a satisfying dessert, they promise to delight your taste buds and provide a burst of wholesome energy.

PREP 20 MINS

COOK 55 MINS

MAKES 12

INGREDIENTS:

Filling:

• 6 plums, stones removed, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Base:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup almond meal
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine plums and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until plums are soft, pulpy, and firm. Allow to cool, then refrigerate until needed.

Base:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm cake pan with baking paper.
2. For the base, place oats, almond meal, maple syrup, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon in a food processor. Process until well combined and finely chopped. Press the mixture evenly over the base of the prepared cake pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool.

Topping:

1. Spread the plum mixture over the cooled base. For the topping, combine oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and coconut oil in a bowl. Stir until combined.
2. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the plums, pressing lightly. Bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is light golden. Allow to cool in the pan.
3. Once cooled, remove the bars from the pan and cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

TIPS:

• Choose ripe and flavorful plums for the filling, as their natural sweetness will shine through in the bars.
• Make the plum filling ahead of time to save time on the day of baking. This will allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
• When making the base, ensure that the oats, almond meal, and other ingredients are finely processed to achieve a cohesive mixture that holds together well.
• Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the base mixture firmly into the cake pan. This will ensure that the base holds its shape after baking.
• For the topping, combine the oats, nuts, and seeds with the coconut oil to create a crumbly and golden layer that adds a satisfying crunch to the bars.
• Once the bars are baked, allow them to cool in the pan before cutting. This will help them set and hold their shape.
• Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and ready to enjoy for up to 5 days.

Savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures in these Plum and Almond Oat Bars. From the fruity plum filling to the nutty base and crunchy topping, these bars offer a taste of both indulgence and nourishment. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, they are a testament to the joy of homemade treats that cater to both your taste buds and your well-being.