Introduction: Indulge in the harmony of health and flavor with our Skinny Raspberry Oatmeal Bars, a nutritional powerhouse that marries the sweetness of ripe raspberries with the wholesome goodness of oats. Meticulously crafted for those seeking a guilt-free treat, these bars deliver a burst of natural sweetness while adhering to a balanced and mindful lifestyle. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the art of creating these delightful bars, perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, offering a symphony of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients: For the Oatmeal Base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Oatmeal Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, whole wheat flour, almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a crumbly yet cohesive dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm and even base for the bars.
Raspberry Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries and maple syrup. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens.
- Stir in chia seeds and lemon juice, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the filling reaches a jam-like consistency.
- Remove the raspberry filling from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assembly:
- Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the oatmeal base in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the raspberry filling, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or bars for serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints: 6 per serving
Conclusion: Our Skinny Raspberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful testament to the marriage of nutrition and flavor. At just 6 SmartPoints per serving, these bars offer a guilt-free indulgence that caters to your sweet tooth while honoring your commitment to a health-conscious lifestyle. The combination of whole grains, fruity sweetness, and a touch of nutty richness makes these bars a versatile treat suitable for any time of the day. Elevate your snack game with this nutrient-rich creation that proves that healthy can indeed be delicious. Savor the wholesome goodness of our Skinny Raspberry Oatmeal Bars, a symphony of taste and nutrition crafted for those who appreciate the art of mindful indulgence.