Healthy Banana Oat Bars

healthy banana oat bars

Looking for a healthy snack for you or your child, to power you through your day? Look no further than these delicious and healthy banana oat bars! Packed with nutritious ingredients like rolled oats, ripe bananas, and flax eggs, these bars are sure to keep you satisfied and energised. And with the subtle sweetness of nut butter, cinnamon, and maple syrup (if you choose to include it), they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth too. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a healthy snack for your toddler, these banana oat bars are the perfect choice.

healthy banana oat bars

Are Oatmeal Bars Healthy?

Oatmeal bars can be a healthy snack option, especially if they are made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients like rolled oats, ripe bananas, and nut butter, as in the recipe you provided. Oats are a great source of fibre, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, and also contain a range of vitamins and minerals. Bananas provide natural sweetness, as well as important nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. Nut butter is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre.

However, it’s important to note that not all oatmeal bars are created equal. Some store-bought varieties can be high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. It’s always a good idea to read the ingredient labels and nutrition information on packaged foods, and to look for bars with simple, whole food ingredients and minimal added sugars.

healthy banana oat bars

Healthy Banana Oat Bars: The Ingredients

If you’re going to make these delicious Healthy Banana Oat Bars, you’ll need the following:

Rolled Porridge Oats: These oats are the base of the bars and provide a hearty, nutritious texture. They are a great source of fibre, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness to the bars, while also providing vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C. They also help bind the other ingredients together.

Flax Eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan egg substitute made from ground flaxseed and water. They help bind the bars together and add a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Nut Butter: Nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter) provides a creamy texture and rich flavor to the bars. It also adds healthy fats, protein, and fibre.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warm, sweet flavour to the bars, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a sweet, aromatic flavour to the bars.

Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the bars rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.

Salt (optional): A pinch of salt can help enhance the other flavours in the bars, but it is not essential. It’s important to avoid giving salt to children under 2 years old.

Maple Syrup (optional): Maple syrup adds sweetness to the bars, but is not necessary. If you choose to include it, it should be avoided for children under 2 years old.

There you have it! It’s time to get super healthy with these healthy banana oat bars!

healthy banana oat bars
healthy banana oat bars

Healthy Banana Oat Bars

Georgina Burgess
Course Healthy Snack
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 200 grams Rolled Porridge Oats
  • 3 Bananas ripe
  • 3 Flax Eggs 3 tbsp milled Flaxseed mixed with 9 tbsp Water and left for 10 minutes
  • 3 tbsp Nut Butter
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 Pinch Salt (optional – avoid if serving to under 2 year olds)
  • 1-2 tbsp Maple Syrup (optional – avoid if serving to under 2 year olds)

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 handfuls Blueberries
  • 2 handfuls Raspberries
  • 2 handfuls Dairy Free Chocolate Chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven to 190c and line an 8×8 tin (or similar size) with baking paper
  • Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth (a few lumps are okay)
  • Stir in the nut butter, flax eggs, cinnamon, pinch salt (if using), vanilla extract, baking powder, and maple syrup (if using)
  • Stir in the oats until well combined
  • At this point, you can stir in your add-ins (if using)
  • Add the mixture to the lined tin and spread out so it's even
  • Place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes, until the top is golden
  • Remove and leave to cool for a few minutes before slicing in to 12 bars
  • Store in an airtight container
Keyword vegan snacks
healthy banana oat bars

How Long Do Banana Oat Bars Last In The Fridge?

Healthy Banana oat bars can last up to a week in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container. This assumes that the bars have been cooked and cooled completely before storing. It’s important to note that the texture of the bars may change slightly over time and become slightly softer as they absorb moisture from the air.

If you don’t plan on eating the bars within a week, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Simply wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours before enjoying.

Can I Eat Banana Oatmeal Bars At Night?

Yes, you can definitely eat these healthy banana oat bars at night as a healthy and satisfying snack or meal. Oatmeal is a great source of complex carbohydrates that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, while bananas provide natural sweetness as well as important nutrients like potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and promote relaxation.

However, it’s worth noting that some people may find that eating a large, heavy meal close to bedtime can interfere with sleep quality. If you find that you have trouble sleeping after eating banana oatmeal (or any other meal), you may want to try eating earlier in the evening or choosing lighter, lower-calorie snack options instead. Additionally, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s a good idea to avoid adding coffee or other caffeinated beverages to your banana oatmeal, as this can also interfere with sleep.

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