Caramel Apple Pie 'Clif Bars'

I absolutely ADORE Clif Bars. They are my favourite snack, especially when I'm traveling or on the go. Or hiking, as the package suggests, which I've only ever done once. The only problem with Clif Bars is that they're kiiiiinda high in fat and they also contain nuts, something that my body doesn't really like all that much. I've been trying to come up with my own Clif Bar recipe for a while now, but almost all the flavours contain nuts and I was struggling to be creative. Until I thought about how good the caramel apple pie flavoured porridge I make every day is and how that should be a Clif Bar too. Alas, my Clif Bar is caramel apple pie flavour! I also am considering trying to make a pumpkin spice flavour - let me know if you'd be interested in those! These Clif Bars are also soy free.

A word of warning before I begin though. These Clif Bars don't contain any processed sugars, and therefore are A LOT less sweet than your typical muesli (granola?) bar. I like them like that though. If you are big on sweet things, I'd consider adding extra dates or maple syrup at your own disclosure. What you'll need: (Makes 6)

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup oat flour (or flour of your choice)

• 1/2 cup puffed brown rice

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp ground flax seed

• 5 pitted medjool dates

• 220ml apple sauce

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 2 tbsp water

What you'll need to do:

1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2. In a food processor mix dates, apple sauce, maple syrup and water until combined. Set the mixture aside.

3. In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, oat flour, ground flax seed, cinnamon and puffed brown rice. Make sure it's mixed evenly.

4. Slowly mix in the wet ingredients to the dry until your mixture is well combined. It should be sticky and quite wet.

5. Form the mixture into the shape of a Clif/muesli bar and place onto a lined baking tray.

6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the bar gets slightly golden.

7. Leave to cool for about 5-10 minutes.

8. ENJOY!

I'd love to hear if you tried this recipe what you thought! As I said previously, it's not an extremely sweet recipe, but it really does emulate a Clif Bar and it gives you that boost of energy just like a Clif Bar would! They should last in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Are there any other flavours of Clif Bars you'd like health-ified? Or maybe just a flavour you wish existed?! Let me know in the comments and I'll give it a go.

#Vegan #GlutenFree #OilFree #SugarFree #SoyFree