Lemony Coconut and Ginger Energy Bars

Lemony Coconut and Ginger Energy Bars

Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients:

1 1/2 tablespoons raw chia seeds

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup oat flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch sea salt

3/4 cup shredded, unsweetened dried coconut, plus more to top bars

Zest of 1 medium lemon

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1/4 cup agave nectar or honey

1/2 cup packed medjool dates, pitted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Grease an 8×8 pan.

2. Mix together chia seeds and lemon juice. Set aside. (Give this mixture an occasional stir while preparing the other ingredients.)

3. In a large bowl, stir together the oat flour, baking powder, salt and coconut. Stir in the lemon zest.

4. In a separate bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil, applesauce, ginger, and agave nectar or honey. Finely chop the dates and add them, as well as the chia seed mixture, to the wet ingredients. Stir to combine.

5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and stir until well combined. Spread evenly into the prepared pan and smooth with a rubber spatula. Top with additional shredded coconut and press gently into the batter. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until slightly brown around the edges.

6. Slice into 16 portions while still warm.