Hey everyone! I’ve officially been away from recipe development for almost a month now (O.M.G) I can’t believe I just said that! It’s been SUPER hard backing away from my blog for what seems like centuries but these past few weeks of constant studying was absolutely crucial for me. Leaving my Nutrition exam this past Saturday I felt an extreme sense of confidence that I nailed it 🙂 (fingers crossed!). So without any further hesitation I bring to you my very first recipe for fall 2017!!! These Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Squares are soft & chewy, 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and highly addictive! Made with in-season apples, ground cinnamon and a hint of maple syrup they are truly the perfect breakfast, on-the-go snack and even make a delicious healthy evening dessert.
(As you all know) Fall doesn’t officially start for another week or so but this girl is already in full swing! It’s crazy how seasonal changes can be such a mood booster isn’t it? Just a little bit of cool & crisp morning air makes my coffee time that much cozier and my smile that much brighter.
I’ve been loving this weather especially for running lately. Running is so mental and mood dependent on how you’re feeling that day for the majority of people including myself. I personally run for many reasons, including the high of feeling alive and free. The feeling of being in complete control of my destination, at my own pace and my own willingness to do so which I believe is such a beautiful thing. Don’t ever forget, no one can ever take away your accomplishments and on a consistent weekly basis my runs are something I look forward to and take pride in, always.
Often, on my runs (especially my long ones) I am constantly thinking of…FOOD! Well, I guess you could have guessed that one! But in all seriousness I am! Knowing I have over an hour to do nothing but continue to take in the scenery and run at a pace that is comfortable, it really does give me that time to ponder on delicious recipes I want to create. I just LOVE when that lightbulb goes off in my brain and BAM! I got it! Thats what happened this past weekend when my mind was blowing up with an assortment of fall meal ideas.
I really wanted to start off with a ‘fall feeling snack’ of some sort and thats when these delicious Baked Apple Cinnamon Oat Squares started to take shape. Using what I had in the kitchen (including organic Sunbutter) I went straight to work… not even realizing that when you bake with sunflower it turns a dark mossy green colour! OOPS! So needless to say my husband is enjoying his “green brownies” all week :):):)
Round two and I swapped the sunflower butter with Organic Cashew butter … BINGO! She turned out amazing! Perfect texture, thickness, flavour and fall feels were def on point! 😉
Ingredients I used for these babes:
- organic cashew butter
- unsweetened cashew milk
- pure vanilla extract
- organic applesauce
- pure maple syrup
- gala apples
- egg whites (which can be substituted for chia/flax egg if you’d prefer to keep it vegan)
- gluten-free rolled oats
- coconut flour
- aluminum free baking soda
- ground cinnamon
- & a sprinkle of Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds – which adds extra nutritious YUM to every square!
Just a little FYI – Hemp Hearts may look little, but they contain 10 grams of plant-based protein and 10 grams of omega-3 and omega-6 per 30-gram serving (more than a comparable serving of flax or chia). Check out there super seed comparison chart to see how Hemp Hearts stack up!
And what would a homemade square be without extra drizz?!?! DO IT.
Happy Tuesday friends!
(gluten-free) 
(dairy-free) 
(vegan option*)
| Prep Time | 7 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Passive Time | 37 minutes |
| Servings |
squares
|
- 1 & 1/2 cups unsweetened cashew milk *I like to use Earth's Own brand
- 1 cup blackstrap molasses
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup organic applesauce
- 1/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup
- 2 candied ginger finely diced (approximately 1&1/2 - 2 cups)
- 2 egg whites *can be substituted with chia or flax egg
- 3 cups BOB's gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 (+1/2 teaspoons) ground cinnamon
- hemp seeds *leave out until ready to bake
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
|
|
Option of adding more cashew butter on top.
Will keep in fridge for approximately 5 days or (my preference) place in freezer and enjoy for up to 3 months.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Let me know if you try this recipe! I’d love to see it and share it!” Tag me on IG @thenaturallynatalie or hashtag #thenaturallynatalie
Nutritional Facts are calculated per square.
