Dairy, Egg and Nut Free Chocolate Chip Oat Bars

Who doesn’t love a great cookie bar? They are easy to make, easy to bake, and especially easy to take…bbq’s, parties, school bake sales, you name it. My Dairy, Egg and Nut Free Chocolate Chip Oat Bar is the perfect cookie bar; it’s delicious AND healthy. I love that it is full of whole grain oats. You could even add 1/2 c. chopped cranberries to make it more of a granola bar. Whatever way you like, it will be your next favorite snack to make on a hot summer afternoon with your kids.

Happy Baking!

DAIRY, EGG AND NUT FREE CHOCOLATE CHIP BARS

• 1/3 c. dairy free shortening ( I use plain Crisco)
• 2/3 c. light brown sugar
• 1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp. good quality vanilla
• 1 c. unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 1/4 c. quick cooking oats (not instant)
• 1 c. dairy free chocolate chips ( I use Divvies or Enjoy Life)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 inch glass Pyrex pan with foil and spray with dairy free baking spray.

In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the shortening, brown sugar, vanilla and applesauce. In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt with a wire whisk. Add to shortening mixture. Stir in oats and chips. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Cool slightly and cut into bars.