We love bananas in our household and we usually buy too many and some of them languish, turning brown and very ripe, before we get a chance to eat them. Normally these bananas are destined for the freezer where they wait to get turned into one of the best Banana Breads ever. But this time, they met a rather healthier, but just as delicious fate. Chewy Banana Oat Bars that contain no added sugar or fat and are packed to bursting with healthy nuts and seeds.
It was breakfast time when inspiration struck. Mashed Bananas, Oats, Salt and any mix-in that came to mind. Chopped walnuts, a small handful of cranberries, and since we were going to be healthy, sunflower seeds and watermelon seeds too! (And then a few chocolate chips…just because.)
These squares or bars have been such a satisfying snack and a healthy breakfast on the go. We have a small container on our desk at work and we have plans to try many a variation to this incredibly simple recipe.
Chewy Banana Oat Bars
Ingredients
2 large Over-ripe Bananas or 4 small ones
2 cups Oats (more if you want a denser bar)
1/2 - 3/4 tsp Salt
1/2 - 3/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp dry Ginger powder (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or almonds)
1/4 cup dried Cranberries or Raisins or chopped Dates
1/4 cup mixed seeds (watermelon seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds)
Directions
Preheat oven to 180° C and lightly prepare a square baking dish with a little melted butter or oil.
Mash the bananas and add the remaining ingredients to stir well.Spoon the mixture into the baking dish and press down gently to smooth.
Bake for 30 minutes if you want a soft, chewy bar. Bake for 40 minutes if you want a slightly more dense bar with crispy edges.The crispiness doesn’t last but the flavour really does.