Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bars

$To make these tasty Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bars, gather the following items: - 2 ripe bananas, mashed - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) - optional If you want to switch things up, here are some easy swaps: - Nut Butters: You can use peanut butter instead of almond butter. - Sweeteners: Maple syrup works well instead of honey. - Oats: If you need it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. - Chocolate Chips: You can use milk chocolate chips or white chocolate for a different taste. Each bar packs a healthy punch. Here’s a rough breakdown per bar: - Calories: 150 - Protein: 4g - Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 6g These bars provide a good mix of nutrients. They are filling and tasty, making them a great snack or breakfast option. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Next, take two ripe bananas and mash them in a mixing bowl. Make sure they are smooth. Then, add 1/2 cup of almond butter or peanut butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it is well mixed. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Now, fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and optional 1/4 cup of chopped nuts. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges look golden brown. A toothpick should come out mostly clean. Let the bars cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Use the parchment to lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack. Slice them into bars and enjoy! To get the perfect texture, use ripe bananas. They should be soft and brown. This ripeness adds natural sweetness and flavor. Mix the wet ingredients well, so they blend fully. When you add the dry ingredients, stir gently. This keeps the bars light and fluffy. Don't overmix, or the bars may turn out dense. You can swap honey with maple syrup if you prefer. Both options work great in this recipe. If you want less sugar, try using mashed dates or applesauce. These keep the bars moist and sweet. Remember, the sweetness can change the flavor. Adjust according to your taste. Let the bars cool in the pan for about ten minutes. This helps them firm up. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. When cutting, use a sharp knife. This helps get clean edges. You can slice them into squares or rectangles, based on your preference. Enjoy these bars with friends or as a quick snack! Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal sweetness. Customize Your Nut Butter: You can substitute almond butter for other nut butters like cashew or sunflower seed butter to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness. Make It Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make these bars completely vegan without sacrificing flavor. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your bars easily. Adding nuts gives a nice crunch. I love using walnuts or pecans. They add good taste and healthy fats. You can also try seeds, like chia or flaxseed. For a fun twist, mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. This makes the bars chewy and sweet. These bars are simple to make gluten-free. Just use gluten-free oats instead of rolled oats. For a vegan option, swap honey for maple syrup. Almond butter is a great choice for both diets. You can also use cashew or sunflower seed butter. These swaps keep the bars tasty and healthy. You can serve these bars in many ways. Try drizzling extra almond butter on top. This adds flavor and makes them look pretty. You can also sprinkle some chocolate chips for a treat. Pair them with a glass of almond milk or a cup of tea. They make a great snack or a light breakfast. Enjoy these bars warm or cold for a yummy bite any time! To keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method keeps the bars moist and tasty. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you prefer, wrap each bar in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks. Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. First, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy one, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. You can also warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. When stored in the pantry, these bars last about five days. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you notice any moisture or changes in texture, it's best to toss them. Enjoy your bars while they are fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use different nut butters. Almond butter and peanut butter work great. Sunflower seed butter is a good option for nut-free diets. Just keep the same amount, about 1/2 cup. Each nut butter adds a unique flavor to your bars. You will know the bars are done when the edges turn golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Check often to avoid overbaking. You can use agave nectar as a sweet alternative. Brown rice syrup is another option. You can also try coconut sugar mixed with a bit of water. Just keep the same amount, about 1/4 cup, for the right sweetness. You learned how to make delicious banana oat bars. We covered key ingredients and their swaps, plus nutritional info. The step-by-step guide made baking simple and fun. Our tips helped you perfect texture and flavor. Flavor variations keep things exciting. You also discovered the best storage methods. Now, you can enjoy tasty, healthy snacks anytime. You have everything you need to create your own banana oat bars. Enjoy baking!$

Delicious and healthy bars made with ripe bananas, oats, and chocolate chips.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Ingredients

2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup rolled oats
0.5 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
0.25 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) - optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas; mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, slice into bars and enjoy your healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bars!

Notes

Serve the bars on a wooden board drizzled with a little extra almond butter and sprinkle some chocolate chips on top for a delicious presentation.

Keyword banana, chocolate chip, healthy snack, oat bars