Whole Wheat Oat Plum Bars

True blog title: Prune bars, but that's not going to do me any favors to pull you in.  I'm not sure what it is about Americans, but we have this 'thing' where prunes (dried plums) have this negative, medical, geriatric connotation. But have you honestly had a prune recently? They're awesome. They're sweet and soft with kind of a rich and dark undertone.

This recipe is based on a family recipe I always beg my mom to make for date bars. I modified it to make it a healthier choice but also switched out the filling and a few partnering flavors for prunes! Here's why: not only are prunes delicious, but they create a smoother filling AND have amazing health properties. In fact, beauty food bonus, a study showed that prunes may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles! They're also a great pick for energizing B vitamins and bone health. 

I loved this as a fast breakfast paired with 0% Greek yogurt!  I say loved because, let's be real, it was long gone before the week was out. 

Whole Wheat & Oat Plum Breakfast Bars

Makes one 9x12 inch pan

///Ingredients///

Dough

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 c old fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 c whole wheat flour

• 3/4 c white flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Filling

• 1 pound prunes
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 c sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions: Cook filling on low in a medium pot, stirring constantly. Blend until mostly smooth with an immersion blender or transfer to a standing blender. Mix filling and press half into a 9x12 inch pan. Top with prune filling, spreading evenly across the base. Top with the remaining half of the mix. Bake at 325 F for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and refrigerate for 6 hours (or overnight).  Buuuut if you can't wait, serve warm with ice cream. Store in the fridge. 

Are you a prune lover and proud? Or are you still waiting for the right recipe (hint hint) to try them?

///Disclosure: The team at California Dried Plums had me over for lunch and gave me samples while I learned about a piece of produce I love. I was not compensated for writing about prunes./// 

Visit the California Dried Plums website