3-Ingredient Healthy Chocolate Banana Oat Bars


Description:

These naturally sweet banana oat bars are soft, chewy, and packed with rich cocoa flavor. No added sugar, no butter, and totally gluten-free — a perfect quick treat or energizing snack you can feel good about.


Ingredients:

  • 2 large ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free)
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Optional Add-ins (still healthy!):

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • A handful of dark chocolate chips (sugar-free if needed)
  • 1–2 tbsp peanut butter or nut butter for richness

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking dish (8×8 inch or similar) with parchment paper.
  2. Mash bananas in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Add in oats and cocoa powder (and any optional ingredients). Mix until combined into a sticky dough.
  4. Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
  5. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until firm and set. Cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.

Tips for Success:

  • The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars naturally taste.
  • Let them cool before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days (or freeze for longer storage).

Nutrition (Per bar, makes 8):

  • Calories: ~110
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Sugar: 6g (natural from banana)
  • Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 3g

Would you like to turn this into cookies, bites, or a microwave mug cake?

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