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:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking dish (8×8 inch or similar) with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- Add in oats and cocoa powder (and any optional ingredients). Mix until combined into a sticky dough.
- Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
- 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
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Would you like to turn this into cookies, bites, or a microwave mug cake?