How to Make Starbucks' Michigan Cherry Oat Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free)
If you follow my facebook fan page, you know I drink a lot of GTLs (green tea lemonades) from Starbucks in the warmer weather. Sometimes it’s tempting to also grab a yummy pastry– but they are so high in calories and refined sugar! It would likely be momentary satisfaction and lasting regret. When I do eat a pastry, it is usually the Michigan Cherry Oat Bar. It just seems like the healthier option, though I have not really researched this. What I do know, is that most of the most tasty desserts have refined sugar, wheat and butter. I wanted to come up with something made of more natural and less processed ingredients, but still very delicious.
RECIPE
- Grind 1 cup of gluten free oats in a food processor until it becomes a fine flour.
- Mix 1 cup oats with 1 cup of oat flour.
- Add 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and combine all dry ingredients well.
- Add 1 tablespoon of agave nectar.
- Melt 1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil. Add about 1/3 or more if needed till mixture is wet, and stick enough to clump together.
- Mash mixture into the bottom of a baking pan until nice and flat. I used a 9×9 pan.
- Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- In a food processor or blender take 3 cups of frozen berries, 1 tablespoon agave nectar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth.
- Add chia seeds to mixture and let sit for 30-60 minutes.
- Spread berry mixture over oats in pan.
- For the topping, repeat steps 1-5, but add about 2 tablespoons of crushed walnuts.
- Carefully spread mixture over berry center. Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.
I decided to team up with my youtube besties, Lainey of SimplyBakings and Jac of The Vegetarian Baker. They’ve come up with yummy pastries as well! Check out our videos below:
xoxo,
Fifi
0 Comments
Naturally Stellar
OMG that looks good! Hey I never knew they had green tea lemonade at Starbucks. I’m a newbie myself, because I don’t drink coffee, but I got addicted to the Iced Oprah Chai Lattes one day and can’t stay away. I’m gonna have to try your recipe cause that image of those bars is gonna stay on my mind.
The Divine Hostess
I’ll have to try the chai!! Let me know how the baking turns out! Xoxo
QTB
I personally tried these and could not stop eating them. Plus, I knew they were healthy ( healthier at least) so there was zero guilt. Thanks Divine Hostess!
The Divine Hostess
Aww thanks QTB! 😘
Tilly Frueh
I am a huge Starbuck’s fan. My daughter and I go at least once a week, but usually twice. She’ll love it when I surprise her with these. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’ve just scratched the surface of yours, but look forward to reading more. ~ Tilly
The Divine Hostess
Thank you so much, Tilly!! Really glad I found your blog. Let me know how they turn out when you make them 🙂
John
This looks really good so I thought I should give it a try however my finish product was really salty.. I’m wondering what did I possibly do wrong.
The Divine Hostess
Hi John! I figured out what the problem is. The measuring spoon I used in the video is actually a 1/4 teaspoon. So you actually used four times the amount and you got salt from the salt and baking soda. So sorry about this. If you’re willing to try to again, use 1/4 teaspoon
crazyrider911
Oh thank you for that. I’m actually going to make this again. I’ll let you know how this will turn out. Thank you!!!
The Divine Hostess
I can’t tell if my reply went through or not! But yes, you did nothing wrong. It was supposed to be 1/4 teaspoon instead of one teaspoon. Big difference!!! So sorry
Amy
How much chia seed did you use?