Lentil Cherry Crumble Bars
(6)
"Lentil cherry crumble bars. 🍒 Trust me, you can't taste the lentils! These bars are packed with fiber thanks to fruits, oats, walnuts and lentils. Plus, they're SO good."
-- @unsweetened.caroline
Recipe Intro From unsweetened.caroline
Who would have thought to put lentils in these energy filled bars?! Delicious and so full of healthy ingredients.

Details

Prep time 30mins
Cook time 45mins
Serves or Makes: 9

Recipe

For the Cherry Jam

  • 4 cups frozen cherries
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1/ 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

For the Crumble

  • 3/ 4 cup cooked brown or green lentils
  • 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1/ 2 cup walnuts
  • 1/ 4 cup butter, or margarine, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Ice cream, optional, for serving

Method

  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish and set aside.

  • Step 2

    To make cherry jam: Heat cherries in a small saucepan over medium heat, covered, until thawed. Mash to release juices, leaving some chunky pieces for texture. Stir in chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer 10-15 minutes uncovered. Set aside.

  • Step 3

    To make crumble: Add lentils and dates to a food processor. Process until chopped. Add 2 cups oats, walnuts, butter, and vanilla extract. Process until mixture sticks together when pressed. Add remaining 1 cup oats and pulse a few times to combine.

  • Step 4

    Set aside 1 1/2 cups crumble mixture. Press remaining crumble into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

  • Step 5

    Remove from oven and spread cherry jam evenly on top. Distribute reserved crumble mixture on top. Bake 15 minutes.

  • Step 6

    Let cool at least 30 minutes before cutting. Serve with ice cream if desired.