If you’re craving a dessert without the added sugar or artificial ingredients, you can whip this up in a few minutes with ingredients you probably have in your pantry. There have been a few studies indicating that consuming dates in your 3rd trimester may have an oxytocin-like effect on the body, leading to increased sensitivity of the uterus, stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum hemorrhage the way oxytocin does. The evidence isn’t overwhelming but dates are a delicious source of potassium, magnesium, fibre and naturally occurring sugar so I’ll hop on this bandwagon either way. Details 👇🏽
INGREDIENTS
Base/Topping Layer
1 1/2 cup oats
4 oz of pitted dates
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
2 tablespoons ground flax
1/4 cup coconut oil
Date Caramel Layer
12 oz of pitted dates
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (I like 1/2, but begin with 1/4 and add to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
-Preheat oven to 325º F.
-Put 1 cup of oats into food process until it turns into flour. Then add the dates, salt and baking soda. Process until the dates are broken up (I soaked mine for 30 mins in hot water for easier processing).
-Add remaining 1/2 cup of oatmeal and walnuts and pulse to break them up up.
-Add the egg, coconut oil, and flax meal and pulse again. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mix to use as the crumble topping.
-Press the rest of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of a parchment lined pan.
-Make the date caramel by adding the dates, lemon juice, and sea salt to the food processor for 5-10 mins. Every minute or so, use a spatula to scrape the dates back down and press them around the blade. Once the caramel starts to form, it gets easier to continue processing. It will lighten in color as it gets smoother (swipe for a pic).
-Use wet hands to press the caramel layer on top of the base layer.
-Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the top of the date layer to make a crumble topping.
-Bake for 18 minutes and completely cool before slicing. I froze them before slicing and store them in the freezer for a cool treat (they stay soft).
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