SOFT & CHEWY OATMEAL BARS

SOFT & CHEWY OATMEAL BARS image

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 + 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats (divided)
1/2 cup cereal divided (I used cheerios)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used half white and half milk chocolate chips)
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can use wheat flour too)
1/4 cup neutral tasting oil
5 tbsp honey
1/4 cup brown rice syrup*
1/4 cup cereal (like cheerios)
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
*can replace with maple syrup

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper and set aside. Place 3/4 cup oats, 1/4 cup of cereal, chocolate chips and raisin in a food processor. Pulse a few times to break up the ingredients. Don't go crazy or you'll change the consistency of your bar. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the baking soda, salt, vanilla, flour, oil, honey, and brown rice syrup. Mix just until combined. The mixture will form a soft dough that resembles a cookie dough in texture. Fold in the remaining 1/4 cup of oats and 1/4 cup of cereal until combined. Lightly press this mixture into the prepared 9×9 pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the bars are lightly browned on top. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Cut into bars, serve and enjoy!