Oatmeal Almond Butter Trail Mix Cookie Bars
on Feb 01, 2017, Updated Jul 09, 2024
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Crisp edges, a chewy center and loaded with trail mix goodies! Not only are these Oatmeal Almond Butter Trail Mix Cookie Bars a tasty treat, but they’re also made with better-for-you ingredients. Perfect for a snack or treat at the end of your next hike!
For the last few days, the weather in Denver has been unreal! I’ve been going for afternoon walks in my shorts and tank top soaking in as much sun as I possibly can. I know it’s just a tease, it is only February 1st, but I’ll take what I can get.
All the warm sunny days have me dreaming about summer and hiking in the mountains. Of course I can still hike now, but you won’t find me wearing my shorts. You’d probably still find me snacking on one of these Oatmeal Almond Butter Trail Mix Cookie Bars though!
Besides the amazing views and clean, fresh air, I love that wonderful feeling of disconnecting from technology, media and everyday life when you’re out in nature. Whenever I’m out hiking or trail running everything I was worried or stressed about seems to disappear.
When I look at the layers of mountains that seem to go on forever, listen to the wind in the trees and breathe in the mountain air, I feel refreshed and energized. Everything seems so simple, untouched and just as it should be. It truly is therapy, but without the price tag.
Another thing I enjoy about hiking are the snacks. Food always tastes so much better when you reach your destination on a hike. You worked hard for it and you want to savor every bite. I was definitely savoring every bite of these Oatmeal Almond Butter Trail Mix Cookie Bars!
The bars are crisp on the outside with a wonderful chewy middle. They’re filled with all sorts of trail mix goodies such as dried cherries, mini chocolate chips, pistachios and coconut flakes. You can easily swap out any of them for your favorites.
These cookie bars are made with wholesome ingredients like almond butter and whole grain oats. They’re gluten free, vegan and perfect to bring along on your next hike!
More Bar Recipes
Chai Spiced Snickerdoodle Bars
Oatmeal Almond Butter Trail Mix Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups gluten free oat flour
- 1/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons aluminum free baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup dairy free mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons pistachios chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl whisk together the oat flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, cream the almond butter, coconut sugar and vanilla together on high speed with the paddle attachment. Turn off the mixer and add in the dry mixture along with the almond milk. Turn the mixer back on to low speed and gradually up to medium once the ingredients start to come together. Beat just until incorporated being careful not to over mix.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips, coconut, dried cherries and pistachios. Dump the dough into the prepared baking pan and use your hands to press it into an even layer.
- Bake for 20-24 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes our mostly clean, be careful not to over bake or they won't be chewy. Let the bars cool in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper. Cut into 12 squares. The bars are best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What is the purpose of the baking powder. Just curious. Since there is no flour or real need to rise
My bars turned out crumbly instead of bars like pictured above. With out egg or butter/oil, how do I get a firmer consistency? Good tasting, just can serve as a cookie or bar.
It’s true, I love the snacks during a hike, and if these are among them… let’s say just I would hike a lot more often haha
Gotta have a good snack when you’re out hiking!
These were yummy. I was at the bottom of the almond butter container and it was a bit dry so I added a tiny bit of coconut oil and the almond milk so I could get it creamed properly with the sugar.
I’m jealous of your warm weather! It was well below zero this morning, and that definitely didn’t motivate me to get outside and run! Now having a pan of these bars waiting for me would probably help! ;)