Are you craving a delicious treat that's both nutritious and satisfying? Look no further! These Healthy Banana Oat Bars are about to become your new obsession. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with natural sweetness, these bars are the perfect solution for health-conscious foodies, busy parents, and anyone looking for a quick, nutritious snack that doesn't compromise on flavor. Get ready to transform your snacking game with this incredibly easy and mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bars from sticking to the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks left, as this will help the bars hold together better.
- Add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup), and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of baking soda into the mixture and stir again until evenly distributed. This will help the bars rise slightly as they bake.
- If you are using chocolate chips, fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips at this stage. This is optional, but it adds a delicious touch to your healthy bars.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, pressing down gently to ensure it’s compacted.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the bars into 12 equal pieces. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Tips
- Choose Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips to make the recipe your own.
- Ensure Even Baking: Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and press down gently to create a uniform thickness for consistent baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool entirely before cutting to help them set and hold their shape.
- Storage Hack: For maximum freshness, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
- Make Ahead Friendly: These bars can be prepared in advance and are perfect for meal prep, lasting up to a week at room temperature or two weeks in the refrigerator.Pro Tip: For a protein boost, try adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture or sprinkling some chia seeds for extra nutrition!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
