Coconut Oat Bars

1 hour

1 1/2	cups rolled oats
1/2	cup almonds can use other nuts
1	tsp vanilla extract
4	tbsp maple syrup
1	tbsp melted coconut oil
2	tbsp desiccated coconut
1	cup pitted dates soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes then drained
1/4	cup peanut butter

Method

Step 1
These can be enjoyed either raw or baked in the oven.
Step 2
Pre-heat oven to 150 degrees Celsius.
Step 3
Line baking tray then set aside
Step 4
In a bowl, mix together oats, nuts, vanilla, 3 of the 4 tablespoons of maple syrup and coconut oil until well combined.
Step 5
Spread evenly over baking paper lined tray and pop in pre-heated oven for 10 minutes (keep and eye on it though as some ovens may take a shorter time)
Step 6
Remove from oven, add coconut, mix together and pop back in oven for up to 10 minutes (again keeping an eye in it)
Step 7
Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Step 8
(Leave oven on at this stage if baking the mixture at a later stage)
Step 9
Blitz dates until they form a sticky ball.
Step 10
Add peanut butter and remaining 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and blitz again.
Step 11
Add both mixtures together and combine well.
Step 12
Press into pan (I used a 20cm x 20cm pan)
Step 13
At this point you can choose to either leave it raw or bake the mixture.
Step 14
freezer to set then remove and enjoy.
Step 15
If baking, place into the oven which is already at 150 degrees celsius for 15 minutes (keep an eye on it once again due to varying ovens)
Step 16
Once baked, allow to cool then enjoy.