Coconut Strawberry Oat Bars

When I got home yesterday, another package awaited me.  It was a sample of coconut oil, along with a note from Jen at Kelapo Coconut (aka my new favorite person).

Who doesn't love getting things in the mail?

Delicious looking recipe

While perusing blogs (and the recipes I’ve saved), I had already decided to use up some overripe strawberries with Angela’s Strawberry Oat Square recipe.  I wanted to reduce the fat and sugar a bit (as I always try to do), so I figured I’d use some coconut oil and applesauce.  I’m also to plain and simple to have some of the fancy ingredients that Angela called for, so I made my own adaptations and other suggestions for whatever you have on hand.

Coconut Strawberry Oat Bars (adapted from Oh She Glows)

For strawberry filling:

1 1/4 cups strawberries, chopped

2 Tbsp sugar

1.5 tsp cornstarch

For oat mixture:

1 1/4 cup oats (I used old-fashioned)

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup white flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup Brown Sugar Splenda Blend (or 1/2 cup brown sugar)

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)

1 egg, lightly beaten (or flax egg)

1-2 Tbsp milk (or water, or non-dairy milk)

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes

1/4 cup unsweetened raw coconut

1) Pre-heat oven to 375.  Combine cornstarch and water. 

2) In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries and cornstarch mixture.  Stir often, until bubbly and thick.  Remove from heat.

3) Combine dry ingredients (except for coconut).  Add oil, applesauce, egg and water/milk until the ingredients mix together (I needed a little more than 1 Tbsp).  Add vanilla.

4) Coat a small brownie-sized baking dish with cooking spray  (I used a shallow rectangular dish (about 7 x 13), but it would also work with a 9×9; there may not be enough batter to do a larger pan).  Spread 3/4 of the oat mixture into an even layer. 

5) Remove gelled strawberry mixture from heat and spread lightly over oat layer. 

5) Combine coconut flakes with remaining oat mixture and drop on top of strawberry layer. 

6) Bake, uncovered, 18-22 minutes (or 15-18 minutes on convection setting), until the top and edges are lightly browned.  Cool at least 15 minutes and cut into squares. 

Strawberries + water + cornstarch

 

Ready for topping

I wish you could smell this!

Coconut + strawberries = heaven

Layers of flavor

There may have been more that didn't last long enough to be photographed...

Approximate nutrition (1/15th of recipe): 145 calories, 6 grams of fat, 20 grams carbs (7 grams sugar), 3g protein

Not a bad nutritional profile! 

The bars had great flavor and a moist, chewy texture.  I’m sure other flours could be substituted and might yield a lighter crust than the whole wheat.  Let me know if you try them!  I had one for my pre-smoothie breakfast treat this morning (after being refrigerated overnight), but now I think I’d leave them in an airtight at room temperature once they’re completely cool.

My MOH and I are going to our very first hot yoga class tonight!  We bought a group deal for 8 classes to Glow studio in Pittsburgh’s South Hills.  I’m hoping that it’s not too tough on my ankle (and that I don’t die in the heat).  Any advice for complete first timers?  I’m nervous!

Happy Tuesday!

xox

C

PS – I’m getting married 4 months from today.  4 MONTHS!