blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars

base layer:
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/4 cup brown rice syrup maple syrup
1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp unrefined coconut oil (not melted)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt

topping:
1/2 cup rolled oats
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp flax seeds
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup crushed almonds (or any kind nut)


1. preheat oven to 320 degrees F.  line a 9x9 in square pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with nonstick spray or coconut oil.

2.  in a mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, mix the banana, maple syrup, applesauce, coconut oil and vanilla extract until smooth. mix in the oats, cinnamon and salt until well combined.  mixture will be wet.  transfer the base layer into the square pan.  smooth it out with a spatula and press down evenly.  bake for 9-11 minutes. 

3.  in the same mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the topping layer until well combined.  remove the pan from oven.

4.  pour topping layer over and spread it out evenly,  pressing it down into the base layer with a spatula.  bake for an additional 15 minutes.  allow the bars to cool and set for 15-20 minutes before slicing the squares.  store in refrigerator.