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Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 133 reviews

These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruit, they offer a natural sweetness without refined sugars. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars are great for breakfast on-the-go or a nutritious afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1.5 cups or 340g)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (200g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup (75g) chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined into a thick batter.
  4. Incorporate Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan. Use a spatula to press down the mixture firmly and spread it into an even layer for uniform baking.
  6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set, indicating the bars are cooked through.
  7. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack while still in the pan. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
  8. Slice and Store: Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 12 equal bars. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate to maintain freshness for a longer period.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds as preferred.
  • For a vegan version, opt for maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
  • Feel free to add dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut for extra flavor.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/healthy-banana-oatmeal-bars-recipe/