Soft Oat and Nut Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup 1/2 stick room temperature butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup plain or vanilla soy milk
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

1. Set the oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, stirring until everything is evenly mixed.
2. In a large bowl, cream the brown sugar with the butter on medium speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture turns light and smooth again, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Scoop in half of the oat-flour mixture and mix just long enough for it to disappear. Begin on low speed so the dry ingredients stay in the bowl where they belong.
4. Pour in the soy milk, then mix briefly until the batter is smooth, starting on low speed so it does not splash. Add the remaining oat-flour mixture and beat only until incorporated, about 30 seconds.
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts and coconut. Transfer the batter to a greased 9x9 inch casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Cool the bars before cutting them into 9 pieces. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-6 days, or freeze them for longer storage.