Anything Goes Cookie Dough Vegan Energy Bars

Submitted by Mary Jenny

"While this season is often a time to indulge, many of us are looking for ways to stay on track with our health goals. Making better-for-you choices can be even harder if we're in the kitchen cooking up a storm. If you know that you can't always (or don't want to) refrain from enjoying your own creations, try this simple recipe as an alternative treat."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 24

ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups assorted seeds
• 1 cup assorted dried fruit
• 1⁄2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup vegan margarine (Becel)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper leaving two-inch overhang on each side.
2. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat margarine with sugars in large bowl. Beat in pumpkin purée and vanilla until blended. Gradually add in flour mixture; beat just until blended.
4. In a separate bowl, combine seeds, dried fruit and oats; set aside.
5. Stir in cinnamon and 2 cups (500 mL) seed mixture. Spread into prepared baking pan. 6. Top with remaining 1 cup (250 mL) seed mixture and gently press into dough.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are golden.
7. Place pan on a wire rack and cool for 20 minutes. Using foil overhang, lift out of pan and cool completely.
8. Cut into 24 bars.