Of all the healthy or natural ways you can sweeten your desserts, dates is definitely my favorite…by far! And I won’t be surprised if many would agree with me. I add them to smoothies, pancake batters, brownies, cookies, mamoul…and of course date balls! I don’t think a day passes without me having dates in some form or another. I’m having one right now with my coffee while writing these words…

So these bars are vegan and gluten-free, especially if using gluten-free oats. You can definitely change things up in terms of flavor by removing the orange zest, adding some cardamom or aniseed for example. You can leave out the walnuts or use hazelnuts or pecans instead. They are perfect with your coffee for breakfast, or as a snack in the afternoon.

Other pointers about ingredients and replacements; any liquid sweeter can be used to replace the maple syrup. I would expect any nut butter to work, bearing in mind it would change the flavor slightly (I’m sure in a good way, next time might add some healthy nutella). Coconut milk instead of cream should be fine, just use the canned milk that has more fat, and not the ones in the carton. The 1 cup walnuts used in the base can be toasted or not, it’s up to you. Toasting them brings our their flavor more.

To make apple sauce, simply peel and slice 2 apples and place in a sauce pan with a tablespoon of water. Let simmer until the apples are soft. Blend until smooth. Let cool before storing in the fridge for up to 5 days. I show how to make it in this muffins video (Arabic only). Apple sauce works as a replacement for eggs in plant-based recipes, and can also add sweetness and moisture. Make a batch and use it to make these bars as well as Morning Glory Cookies, Morning Glory Muffins, and Sweet Potato Muffins. Also great to use in pancakes and waffles.

Recipe adapted from My New Roots