Chewy bars with oats, strawberry jam, and chocolate layer, perfect for a sweet and satisfying treat.
# What you'll need:
→ Oat Base
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup almond flour
03 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
04 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
05 - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
06 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Strawberry Layer
08 - 3/4 cup strawberry preserves or jam, preferably low sugar
09 - 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, lightly crushed
→ Chocolate Topping
10 - 6 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil
# Method:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flour, peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated and sticky.
03 - Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Reserve remaining third for the top layer.
04 - Spread strawberry preserves evenly over the oat base. Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries across the surface.
05 - Crumble the reserved oat mixture and gently press over the strawberry layer to create an even finish.
06 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
07 - Drizzle melted chocolate evenly over the bars or dip individual bars after cutting.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until bars are completely firm.
09 - Lift bars from pan using parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars and serve.