Hubby was out of town for a meeting. Me and my daughter went out window shopping then decided to watch the movie Crazy, Stupid Love. It’s been in theaters since end of July. I thought we will be the only one there, surprisingly theater was more than half full. Ryan Gosling looked hot and charming. I haven’t seen him in any movie after ‘The Notebook”. He acted so well. I found the entire movie to be very entertaining, funny and romantic.
After a good movie night I was in a upbeat mood in the morning. My daughter was still asleep but I thought to do some early morning bake. I belong to the category of moms that try to keep packaged and processed food away from my daughter, but Nutella has found its way into our kitchen because of my bias towards nuts.
These chewy oat squares with Nutella are amazing. We love them so much. They are packed with nutrients and they are not too sweet. I keep changing the dry fruits depending on what I have on hand but the following recipe is the one that my daughter likes the best. Its a great mid morning snack for all ages. I highly suggest you make a batch and have snack ready for your family. They keep well in an airtight container for up to a month at room temperature.
CHEWY NUTELLA OAT SQUARES
Ingredients:
2&1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats
1/2 cup oat flour
2tbsp ground flax seeds
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
3/4 cup unsweetened thick shredded coconut
3/4 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup chopped apricots,
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup nutella
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup golden brown sugar
6tbsp butter
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Method:
Preheat the oven at 300 degrees f. Line a baking sheet with foil. Spread the oats, oat flour, sliced almonds, ground flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and shredded coconut onto the cookie sheet. Place in the oven for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
Line a 9.5×13″ baking pan with two perpendicular sheets of parchment paper.
When the oat mixture bake is going on, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter and vanilla extract in a wok or saucepan and place over medium heat.
Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. Add nutella and mix nicely. Turn off the heat.
Once the oat slightly roasted add it to the honey mixture.
Add the dried fruits as well and stir to combine.
Spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan and press down evenly distributing the mixture. Press with your hands really well or with a flat bottomed bowl. Bake at 300 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow to cool completely. I know you will be tempted to slice but hold on.
After about one hour, holding the parchment paper lift the granola mixture and place it on chopping board. Using a sharp knife cut into squares. Don’t worry if small pieces fall apart. If you want perfect squares chill the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Wrap every single square in cling wrap or store between parchment paper in an airtight container.
Note: Rolled oats are also called old fashioned oats. They look like flat, irregularly round, slightly textured discs.
Malti
Hi
They look healthy and wonderful. I am sure they would be good for kids with Nutella in it.
Kelly
These look so good and great to have on hand for a nice snack.
kranthi
it is so healthy and delicious too. i will definetely try for my son….
Balvinder ( Neetu)
Hi Kranti,
If your son is like my daughter who can eat nutella and bread everyday in breakfast then you might have to add chocolate chips in place of raisins to substitute for cocoa.
ratna
Hey My girls loved them very much.
easyfoodsmith
Healthy and yummy!! Nice post!