Are you ready to indulge in a guilt-free treat that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients? Say hello to "Katie's Banana Oat Bars"! These delightful bars are perfect for breakfast on the go or a satisfying snack that will keep you energized throughout the day. With just a handful of simple ingredients like ripe bananas, rolled oats, and creamy peanut butter, you can whip up these bars in no time. Plus, the optional chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness that makes them irresistible! Trust us, once you try these, you’ll want to make them a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this scrumptious delight!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the banana oat bars will bake evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they are smooth and creamy. This will serve as the base for your bars, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the mashed bananas. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the oats are fully incorporated into the banana mixture.
- Next, add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the bowl. If your peanut butter is cold or hard, you may want to microwave it for a few seconds to soften it before adding. Mix thoroughly until the peanut butter is evenly distributed throughout the oat and banana mixture.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of honey and sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is sticky and cohesive.
- If you are using chocolate chips, fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips at this point. This will add a delightful sweetness and texture to your bars.
- Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut the banana oat bars into 12 equal pieces. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results.
- Mix Thoroughly: Make sure to mix the ingredients well, especially the peanut butter and honey, to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the bars.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins! Nuts, dried fruits, or even a dash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile of your bars.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch.
- Storage Tips: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These bars make an excellent addition to your meal prep routine. Bake a batch at the beginning of the week for quick snacks or breakfasts!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
