Healthy Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
These Healthy Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Bars are a guilt-free treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with wholesome oats and a hint of chocolate. They are perfect for breakfast or as a satisfying snack any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or use chopped nuts for added crunch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free dark chocolate chips.
- Customize the bars by adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or seeds such as chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw before serving.
- Enjoy these bars as a grab-and-go breakfast, a wholesome snack, or a healthy dessert option.
- Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor variations.