Soft & Chewy Raw Vegan Oat Bars

I realize that these are not the best pictures, but I wanted to hurry up and post this recipe so you could make these babies asap! They are my Soft & Chewy Raw Vegan Oat Bars and they are SO easy and SO good!

The only problem is that I haven't perfected the texture. 

You will love these if you like soft and chewy oat bars. 

If you tend to favor the crunchy, "Nature Valley-esque" bars, then these may not be for you...but you should still give these a chance.

I love super soft AND super crunchy bars, so I am ALWAYS pleased to find an oat bar sale of any kind.

HOWEVER, I haven't found an oat bar that I enjoy more than my homemade oat bars...I'm just going to say it :)

This recipe makes 10 good-sized bars, but I gave away a few and we ate a few, so I only have 4 left to photograph.

Hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

Soft & Chewy Raw Vegan Oat Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup wheat germ*
• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (I used dried cherries)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I used roasted almonds)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (agave syrup will work also)
• 1/2 cup nut butter (I used peanut butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

*If you do not have wheat germ on hand, don't sweat it. Just replace the 1/2 cup wheat germ with 1/2 cup oats.

Directions:

1. Mix the above ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
2. Line a 8x8 baking dish or tupperware with plastic wrap or foil.
3. Place the oat bar mixture in the pan and pat down evenly and firmly.
4. Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Remove pan from freezer and cut into 10 rectangular bars.
6. Store in freezer for firm bars or refrigerator for soft bars.

After the bars firmed up, I wrapped each bar in plastic wrap and placed them back in the freezer.

This way they are ready to grab and go!

ENJOY!