Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 9x9” baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1” overhang on two sides.

Step 2

Pulse ½ cup of oats into a fine flour with a food processor. Add this to a large bowl with remaining 1 ½ cups oats, brown sugar, almonds, cardamom, and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine nut butter, maple syrup and oil. Whisk until the mixture comes together. Stir in vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract.

Step 4

Add wet ingredients to oat mixture, stirring until oats are evenly coated. Using a rubber spatula, spread mixture into prepared pan ensuring thickness is even throughout. Place another piece of parchment on top and press down to tightly pack the mixture into pan.

Step 5

Remove top layer of parchment and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 6

Using your spatula, gently press down on oats to deflate. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then using overhang of parchment, pick up oats and place on a cutting board. Cut into five even strips, then cut in half to make 5 even rectangles.

Step 7

Place cut bars back into oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until bars become firm.