Description
These Chocolate Dipped Sesame Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack combining the nutty crunch of sesame seeds and wholesome oats with a rich dark chocolate coating. Perfect for a healthy treat or energy boost, these bars offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors, enhanced by a touch of honey and vanilla.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup brown rice crisps cereal
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, melted
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of bars.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, sesame seeds, brown rice crisps cereal, almond flour, ground flax seeds, and baking soda. Stir these together evenly to distribute all components.
- Combine wet ingredients and mix: Warm the honey and melted coconut oil together in the microwave until fluid and well combined. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until a moist, dough-like mixture forms.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared lined pan. Using the back of a measuring cup or your hands, firmly press the mixture down to create an even, dense layer for the bars.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden and the bars are set.
- Cool and cut: Once baked, remove from oven and allow the bars to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut the slab into 16 individual bars. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before moving onto the next step.
- Dip in chocolate and garnish: Dip each cooled bar into the melted dark chocolate to coat the top. Immediately sprinkle each with toasted sesame seeds for an appealing finish.
- Set the chocolate: Place the chocolate-coated bars in the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
- Serve or store: Enjoy the bars immediately or store them in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm and the bars fresh.
Notes
- Make sure bars are completely cool before dipping in chocolate to prevent melting and to achieve a smooth coating.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help bars hold together well after baking.
- For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds before adding them as topping.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- You may substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option, but texture might be slightly different.
