muesli bars

For a while now I've been in search for a good tasting muesli bar recipe that isn't too crumbly. I'm sure all the parents out there can understand the paramount importance of this requirement! This recipe is full of wholesome ingredients and takes only minutes to make. The bonus is that it requires no baking so it's perfect for a Sunday night 'we have no food for lunch boxes' kinda dilemma.

muesli bars

20 medijool dates/250g (fresh dates)

50g coconut oil

100g rolled oats

50g shredded coconut

50g pepitas

50g sunflower seeds

60g nut butter

40g dried apricots, diced

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (recipe here)

pinch Himalayan salt

METHOD

Place medijool dates and melted coconut oil into thermomix or food processor and blitz 30 seconds/speed 9. Scrape down sides and repeat if necessary. Add remaining ingredients and process 20 seconds/speed 8.

Line a 20x25cm pan with grease proof paper. Place mix into pan and press until flat and even.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and then cut into bars or squares. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

NOTES
If you prefer toasted muesli bars you can make them by placing the mixture on a large piece of baking paper on the bench.  Form the mixture into a rough rectangle and place another piece of baking paper on top.  Roll til approximately 1/2cm thick. Remove top sheet and using a knife score half through the thickness to make score lines so it makes it easier when cuting them up later (it makes approximately 25). Place in the oven at 180 degrees for 15 minutes or until nicely brown on top.  Remove and completely cut through the score lines and place in the fridge for 1 hr on the baking tray.  Place into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.