Makes 20 servings
A bean bar that delivers both flavor and nutrition. This nutrient-rich white bean bar is packed with deep-rich dark chocolate flavors, crunchy pumpkin seeds and delicious ripe dates all brought together with hints of fresh orange zest and natural maple syrup. These bean bars will satisfy all your taste buds in just a few bites.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3-1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups or 15 ounce can cooked white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup olive oil or other neutral oil
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup apple sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
- 1 cup 60% dark chocolate, morsels
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.
Mix chia seeds and water and set aside for 15 minutes. Process 1/2 of the oats in a food processor until it is a flour-like consistency. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining rolled oats, the ground oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
Place the white beans and oil in a food processor and process until creamy. Fold into the oat mixture. Place the chia seed (with water), maple syrup, carrots, orange zest, apple sauce, and vanilla in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Add this mix to the oat and bean mixture and combine thoroughly.
Fold in the dates, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate.
Spread evenly onto a sheet pan and bake for 18 minutes, rotating pan halfway through.
Cool completely, then cut into bars.