Maple Oatmeal Bars with Dates

This is my version of this recipe.

1/4 c maple syrup
1/2 c coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
1 c pitted dates, chopped
2 eggs
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c applesauce (unsweetened)
1/2 c plain yogurt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c oat flour
3 c rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
Dash cardamom (it's tasty, and quite strong)

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter.

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until well-combined. Bake 25 minutes or until turning golden brown at the edges. Cool at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Oatmeal Banana Bars

This is a sugar-free (and very tasty) alternative to this recipe.

2 c old fashioned oats
1 c unsweetened coconut flakes
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1/4 c ground flax seed
1/2 c chopped walnuts
1/2 c chopped dried apricots
1/4 tsp salt
dash nutmeg
2 overripe bananas that have been frozen and thawed
2 Tbsp unsweetened apple butter (optional; adds sweetness and a cinnamon accent)
3 drops stevia extract
2 Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp melted coconut oil

Preheat the oven to 375F. Butter an 8x8-inch baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, toss together the oats, coconut, chia seeds, flax seed, walnuts, apricots, salt, and nutmeg. Add the bananas, apple butter, stevia, melted butter and coconut oil. Mash the bananas while mixing until mixture becomes relatively uniform. Press into the prepared pan.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on top. Allow to cool before cutting.