Vegan Fig Bars

Let me start off this post by saying this: I am not a baker.  I typically make raw desserts/snacks so I have little experience with baked goods.  That being said, I am really proud of these bars; the crust is the perfect texture and the filling...well let's just say I could eat it with a spoon :). 

As we all know the fiber in oats has been proven to lower cholesterol levels but did you know this tasty whole grain is also a good source of manganese?  And good news for any gluten-free gals, oats are naturally gluten-free (just be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats if you have celiac disease, since most companies process oats on the same lines as other gluten filled products)!  Have I convinced you to make these scrumptious bars yet? Did I hear a YES!?  Ok then, scroll down and grab the recipe my hungry peeps.

Vegan Fig Bars
Adapted from Choosing Raw and Fat Free Vegan Kitchen
Yield: 9 bars

For the Fig Filling:
2 cups hot water
12 large dried figs
6 medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons lemon juice, preferably organic
1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Oat Crust:
1 cup rolled oats, ground in a blender until a flour forms
1 cup rolled oats, unground
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 t baking powder
Dash sea salt
1/2 cup organic unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup raw coconut crystals
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line an 8 in. square pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the figs in a medium sized bowl and pour the hot water on top.  Allow the figs to soak for 10 minutes.
3. Drain the figs and place in your food processor along with the dates, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Process until thick and smooth.
4. Mix the ground oats, whole oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, coconut crystals, almond milk, and vanilla. 
6. Add wet ingredients to the dry and mix till just combined.  
7. Assembly time!  Spread half  of the oat mixture into the prepared pan.  Then spread all of the fig jam over the oat base.  Finally, cover the fig paste with the remaining oat mixture.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden.  Allow to cool before cutting into nine bars.

This recipe was submitted to Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays and Wellness Weekends.