Looking for a nutritious and delicious snack to fuel your day? These Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are an excellent option for breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a light dessert. Packed with the natural sweetness of bananas, the tartness of cranberries, and the richness of dried apricots and almonds, these bars offer a balanced combination of flavors and textures. The oatmeal base provides fiber and a good dose of energy, while the dried fruits and nuts add a satisfying chewiness and crunch. Whether you’re on the go or need a quick snack at home, these bars are easy to prepare and provide a wholesome treat that both adults and kids will love.

These Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are not only delicious but also customizable! Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make them your own. They are also a great way to use up ripe bananas and leftover dried fruits in your pantry. Let’s dive into the recipe that will give you a nourishing and tasty snack that you can enjoy throughout the week!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 150 ml milk (you can use plant-based milk if preferred)
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 2 eggs, beaten (be sure to wash your eggs before using them)
• A pinch of vanillin (or vanilla extract)
• 50 g cranberries (dried or fresh)
• 50 g dried apricots, chopped
• 30 g almond flakes
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oatmeal Mixture

1. Soak the Oats: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal with 150 ml of milk. Stir the mixture to ensure the oats are evenly coated in the milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will allow the oats to absorb the milk and soften, creating a smoother texture for the bars.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

1. Mash the Bananas: While the oats are soaking, peel and mash the 2 bananas in a separate bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to break them down into a smooth puree.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: After the oats have softened, add the mashed bananas to the oatmeal mixture. Stir well to combine. Then, add the 2 beaten eggs, a pinch of vanillin (or vanilla extract), and 50 g dried cranberries. Stir everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Incorporate Dried Fruits and Nuts: Next, add the 50 g of chopped dried apricots, 30 g of almond flakes, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix again to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The dried apricots and cranberries will provide natural sweetness and tartness, while the almonds add a nice crunch to the bars.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish (around 8×8 inches or a similar size) with a thin layer of vegetable oil or use parchment paper to line it. This will prevent the oatmeal bars from sticking to the dish during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Pour the Mixture into the Baking Dish: Pour the prepared oatmeal mixture into the greased or lined baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out evenly.
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once preheated, place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you prefer a firmer texture, leave them in the oven for an extra 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

1. Cool Down: Once the oatmeal bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps them firm up and makes it easier to cut them into neat squares or bars.
2. Slice and Serve: Once the bars have cooled slightly, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are perfect for packing into lunchboxes, enjoying with a cup of tea, or grabbing as a quick snack.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on one serving (1 bar, based on 8 servings per recipe).

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g (mostly natural sugar from the fruits)
• Sodium: 40mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Make sure the plant-based milk is unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor of the bars.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by ensuring you use certified gluten-free oats. Check the labels on your oatmeal to confirm it is gluten-free.

3. Can I substitute the dried apricots with another fruit?

Absolutely! You can replace the dried apricots with other dried fruits such as raisins, dried cranberries, or dates. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dried fruits to suit your taste.

4. How can I make these bars more protein-rich?

You can boost the protein content of these bars by adding protein powder to the mixture or incorporating some chopped nuts like walnuts or cashews. Additionally, you could use Greek yogurt in place of milk for a thicker, creamier texture.

5. Can I freeze these oatmeal bars?

Yes! These Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Place the container or wrapped bars in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a quick snack.

Tips for Making the Best Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

1. Ripen the Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your oatmeal bars will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for baking as they add natural sweetness and moisture to the mixture.
2. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter bars, feel free to add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup to the batter. However, the natural sweetness of the bananas and dried fruits should be sufficient for most people.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best taste, opt for fresh cranberries and high-quality dried apricots. This will ensure that the bars have the best flavor and texture.
4. Add Extra Flavor: You can personalize your bars by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the bananas and dried fruits.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bars within a few days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This will keep them fresh and soft.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: As mentioned earlier, these bars freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.

Conclusion

These Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and mouthwatering flavors. They are easy to make, full of healthy nutrients, and a great option for those who need a quick, portable snack. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast bar, a post-workout snack, or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these oatmeal bars have you covered. Plus, they’re a great way to use up ripe bananas and dried fruit, so you can make them whenever you need a delicious homemade treat. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pack them for later – either way, they’re sure to become a family favorite!