Ingredients:

• 1 packed cup/about 11 large medjool dates if your dates are not soft and a bit hard, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes first then drain well

• 1/2 cup cashew butter almond butter is ok as a sub or SunButter for a nut-free version

• 1/3 cup brown rice syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 cup | 4 tablespoons ground flax seed

• 3/4 cup chopped dried apple . You can find it with the dried fruit in the store and often in the bulk bins) that's about 1 packed cup of the dried rounds

• 1   1/2 cup puffed rice

• 1 cup rolled oats or quick oats processed down until they are small pieces not as fine as flour and measured after processing. (Be sure to use gluten-free oats if necessary)

Instructions:

1. Line an 8 x 8 pan with baking parchment.

2. Put the dates in a food processor and process until really finely chopped and starting to ball up. If you don't have a food processor you could chop them really finely instead.

3. In a small pan, put the dates, cashew butter, brown rice syrup, vanilla, salt and cinnamon.

4. Warm over a low to medium heat until everything is melting together. The dates wont melt but you should be able to smush them up and combine it all well.

5. While that is happening add the flax, dried apple, puffed rice and oats to a large bowl. Stir well.

6. Pour in the warm mixture from the pan. It won't be runny and will still be quite thick. Be sure to scrape the pan out well and not leave any behind.

7. Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are coated. It does take a bit of arm power. Be sure to scrape into the bottom of the bowl so you don't miss any dry bits.

8. Spoon into the prepared tin and press down really well all over so it's flat and compacted.

9. Put in the fridge to set for at least 3 - 4 hours.

10. When set, cut into bars or squares.

11. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

Serve warm.

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 4 - 5 days and reheat well.

Crumble topping can be made many weeks ahead and stored in a sealed container or freezer bag in the freezer.