When I make them, the texture is sort of like a brownie - soft and chewy at the same time. I think it's the nut butter that gives it that texture. (Make sure your nut butter is well blended. If you don't mix it well, you either end up with too much oil, or at the bottom of the jar, not enough, which will not give you a good texture. I sometimes will open a new jar and mix it up with an electric mixer.) The texture is part of what I like about them. I wonder if you added too much liquid. I usually have to add a little water, but the dough is very thick and sticky and once I dump it in the baking pan, I have to use my hands or the back of a spoon to spread it out. Also, did you stick a knife or toothpick into the center to test whether they were really done?

If you use regular rolled oats, they don't really cook because there isn't much liquid in the dough, so the bars will be tough.

I have had them come out too dry (from rolled oats or nut butter that did not have enough oil) but I have never had them come out mushy.
Allison

: I made Elaine's yam cakes a long time
: ago.
: I don't know if I did something wrong
: and that's why they came out
: a bit mushy-feeling in the mouth,
: or if it's the oats that give it that
: texture and it can't be helped.
: Maybe I used instant oats (I don't
: remember) and I should have used
: rolled oats.
: I never made them again, but would
: like to give it another try.

: Allison, do you (or anyone else) have
: any suggestions?

: Thanks,
: Sarit