Kids Lunchbox Club - Choc-Oat Slice

I think its quite possible that "Kids Lunchbox Club" needs to be re-named....... 

because whenever I make something for my daughter's lunchbox - it usually ends up going to work in my husbands lunchbox too!  

So feel free whenever necessary to call these treats "Husbands Lunchbox Club" ;-) 

Whatever you call them though, I guarantee everyone in your home will love this Choc-Oat Slice. It is so delicate, with a hint of coconut flavour but without the added fat of coconut. Sweetened just enough to satisfy yet so very rich and tasty.

You'll need:
 
1 cup oats
1 cup wholemeal self-raising flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/3 cup brown sugar
50g dark chocolate (optional)
1/3 cup brown rice syrup
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup plant-milk (can substitute water if you prefer)
1 teaspoon coconut essence

In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, wholemeal flour, cocoa, and brown sugar.
If using the dark chocolate chop into little pieces, and stir through the dry ingredients.
Pour the brown rice syrup into a microwave safe jug and warm for 30 seconds until the syrup is slightly runny.
Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the rice syrup, apple sauce, milk and coconut essence. 
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix. 
When mixture is just combined, pour into a 20cm square baking pan.
Bake in a preheated 180C oven for 25 minutes.
Allow to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before removing to slice into squares.

 (Makes 16 squares)

 

Maybe I need to remove the no grown-ups allowed bit ;-)