Raspberry Oat Bars

These bars don't need much of an introduction.  Raspberry.  Oats.  And, dark chocolate - if you'd like.  They're tasty, and best the first day or so after baking.  But - they won't last that long.

Raspberry Oat Bars - Finding Joy in My Kitchen

Bars
1 C whole wheat flour
1 C quick cook oats
2/3 C brown sugar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 T butter
1/4 C applesauce*

Filling
1 C raspberries
1 T corn starch
3 T sugar
1/2 C dark chocolate chips, optional

Begin by combing the oats, baking soda and flour together in a large mixing bowl.  Then, add the brown sugar.

Take 1/3 of the mixture and transfer it to another bowl.  Add the 3 T of butter, softened or melted, and mix to combine.  

With the remaining 2/3 of the oat mixture, add in the applesauce, and mix until clumps form.

Press the mixture into a lightly greased 11x7 baking dish.

Then, prepare the sauce.  Mix the berries, corn starch and sugar in a sauce pan.  You may need to add 1/8 C water to the mixture.  Heat over medium heat and stir constantly until the berries have a nice thick sauce.  

Pour the sauce over the oat crust mixture.

Then, spread out the mixture using a spatula.

If you desire, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.  I did half and half.  

Take the remaining butter-crumb oats and sprinkle them over the top.  

Press the oat mixture lightly so it presses into the raspberry layer.  

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.  

Allow to cool a bit before slicing and serving.  

Oh. My.  Please do, share these with friends.

But not too many friends.

You'll want one or two yourself.  

*If you wish, you can use all butter in this recipe.



Linked to: Recipe Swap, Feasting in Fellowship Friday, Fun with Food Friday, Sweet Tooth Friday, Sweets for a Saturday, Made By You Monday.