Chocolate-Oat Energy Bars

Ingredients

• 3 oz Pitted Dates
• ⅓ cup Dry White Quinoa
• ⅛ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• ½ tbsp Maple Syrup
• ½ tbsp Vanilla Extract
• ¼ cup Oat Flour
• ¼ cup Rolled Oats
• ⅛ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 oz Vegan Dark Chocolate

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a small baking pan or loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
2. Place dates in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes, then drain well.
3. Meanwhile, spread the dry quinoa on a small baking sheet and toast in the oven for 6 minutes, stirring once, until light golden. Let cool slightly, reserving a small pinch for topping.
4. In a food processor, combine the soaked dates, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Process until smooth. Add oat flour, rolled oats, and cocoa powder and process until a uniform dough forms. Season with a small pinch of salt.
5. Stir most of the toasted quinoa into the mixture, then press evenly into the prepared pan using wet fingers.
6. Spread the melted vegan dark chocolate evenly over the top and sprinkle with the reserved toasted quinoa. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm, then cut into 4 bars.