Sesame and Oat Bars with Dates and Dried Apricots

Ingredients

• 3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (Do not use quick-cooking or instant oats)
• 0.5 cup sesame seeds (Toasted)
• 0.75 cup dried dates (Chopped)
• 0.75 cup dried apricots (Chopped)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (Melted)
• 0.5 cup Lyle's Golden Syrup (Honey may be substituted)
• 0.33 cup tahini (Stir well before measuring)
• 0.5 tsp fine sea salt

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch (20-cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for lifting out the bars.

2. 2

   Spread the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden; transfer them to a bowl so they do not continue cooking in the hot pan.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dates, chopped dried apricots, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.

4. 4

   In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, golden syrup, and tahini. Warm, stirring, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and evenly combined; do not let it boil.

5. 5

   Pour the warm butter mixture over the oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until every oat and piece of fruit is coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.

6. 6

   Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into a compact slab, paying particular attention to the corners and edges so the finished bars hold together.

7. 7

   Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the surface is golden brown and the edges are slightly darker. The center may still look soft but should not appear wet.

8. 8

   Cool the oat slab completely in the pan, preferably on a wire rack. Do not cut it while warm, or the bars may crumble.

9. 9

   Use the parchment overhang to lift out the cooled slab. Cut it into 16 bars with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts if needed.

Notes

The source states that the bars keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. These quantities and steps are reconstructed because the provided page excerpt is paywalled and does not include the ingredient list or method; verify them against the original recipe before relying on them.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• snack
• bars
• baked
• British
• vegetarian
• make-ahead