Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats – Provides a fibrous base and satisfying texture.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato – Adds natural sweetness and moistness.
- ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter – Brings a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- ⅓ cup maple syrup – Offers a subtle, natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise slightly.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice – Gives a deep, aromatic flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – Introduces a sharp, sweet spice.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Provides a crunchy texture and extra nuttiness.
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mashed sweet potato, almond or peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3:
Stir in the baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and salt into the oat mixture. Ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 4:
If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts to add a crunchy texture to the bars.
Step 5:
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top.
Notes
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before cutting into squares. Serve as is, or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips
- For a vegan version, ensure the maple syrup is certified vegan and use a plant-based nut butter.
- Adding a protein powder or hemp seeds can boost the protein content if desired.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 per bar
- Sodium: Approximately 75-100 mg per serving.
- Protein: 4-6 grams per serving