Rochelle Humes’ Oaty Apple and Pear Bars
Perfect for school lunch boxes, these simple oaty apple and pear bars from Rochelle Humes are a delicious mid-morning snack for the kids.
Introduction
These healthy bars are a fab source of slow-release energy. They smell amazing when they are cooking and are packed full of fibre. If children need to take something to school with them for a morning snack or in a lunch box (most schools have a ‘no nut’ policy due to allergies), these are a great option. Because of their soft texture, they are also ideal for younger children, who will love holding and munching them.
Ingredients
| 1 | apple, peeled, cored and grated 1 pear, peeled and grated |
| 1 tsp | ground cinnamon |
| 225ml / 8 fl oz | good-quality apple juice or coconut water |
| 300g / 10½ oz | porridge oats |
| 100g / 3½ oz | unsalted butter |
| 100ml / 3½ fl oz | clear honey or golden syrup |
Essential kit
You will need: a square 20-cm/8-inch baking pan.
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4 and grease a square 20-cm/8-inch baking pan with butter and line with greaseproof paper.
Put the grated apple and pear in a large bowl along with the cinnamon, apple juice or coconut water and half of the porridge oats, then stir to combine and set aside for 20 minutes to soak.
Meanwhile, put the butter and honey in a large pan over a medium heat. Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the soaked oat, apple and pear mixture, as well as the remaining dry oats.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and level out the surface with a spatula, then transfer to the oven and leave to cook for 20–25 minutes until golden and firm. Leave to cool in the tin for 10–15 minutes, then use the greaseproof paper to lift out of the tin. Slice into 12 equal-sized bars whilst still warm. These can be eaten straight away, or left to cool to room temperature. They will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For first-stage weaning:
These contain honey so should not be offered before your child is 12 months old. The soft texture of these bars makes them good for teething children.
For older children:
These are perfect lunchbox snacks for older pre-schoolers and school-age children.
