Chocolate Banana Oat Bars are a delightful combination of natural sweetness, rich chocolate flavor, and hearty oats, making them the perfect snack, dessert, or breakfast option. With simple ingredients like bananas, cocoa, oats, and walnuts, these bars are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving a healthy sweet treat, this recipe is versatile, nutritious, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened and requires no refined sugar or flour, making it an ideal choice for guilt-free indulgence.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
In Cups:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ¾ cup oat flakes
- ¼ cup condensed milk
- ½ cup yogurt
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1.4 oz chopped chocolate or chips
- Walnuts, roughly chopped (as desired)
In Grams:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 70g oat flakes
- 50g condensed milk
- 150g yogurt
- 15g cocoa powder
- 5g baking powder
- 40g chopped chocolate or chips
- Walnuts, roughly chopped (as desired)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Remove any large lumps to ensure a uniform texture.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: Add the condensed milk and yogurt to the mashed bananas. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Mix in the oat flakes, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Stir until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated and coated with the wet mixture.
- Fold in Chocolate and Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, slice them into squares or bars and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent dessert.
- Pack them in your lunchbox for a quick, satisfying snack on the go.
- Crumble the bars over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an energizing afternoon pick-me-up.
Cooking Tips
- Choose Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Spotty bananas are ideal for this recipe.
- Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder with a rich, deep flavor for the best results.
- Customize with Mix-ins: Feel free to add dried fruits, seeds, or spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract to suit your taste.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bananas: Packed with potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamin B6, bananas help regulate blood pressure, support digestion, and provide natural energy.
- Oats: Rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that aids in lowering cholesterol levels and stabilizing blood sugar.
- Cocoa Powder: Loaded with antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress and may even improve mood.
- Walnuts: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts support brain health and provide protein to keep you satisfied.
- Yogurt: Contributes probiotics for gut health, as well as calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes, all the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Dairy-Free: Not dairy-free as it includes yogurt and condensed milk. Replace with dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- No Added Sugar: The recipe uses natural sweetness from bananas and a small amount of condensed milk.
- Flourless: This recipe is completely free from refined flour, making it ideal for those reducing their carbohydrate intake.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days for extended freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick snack.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these bars are perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Naturally Sweetened: The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
- Versatile: These bars are great for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack any time of day.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, they’re a guilt-free treat.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or spices to make it your own.
Conclusion
Chocolate Banana Oat Bars are the ultimate blend of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Their naturally sweet and rich taste, combined with the hearty texture of oats and walnuts, makes them a treat you can feel good about eating. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a satisfying dessert, or a nutritious breakfast, these bars are the perfect choice. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try them today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
5 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, replace yogurt and condensed milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and sweetened condensed coconut milk. - Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats will work, but the texture may be slightly softer. Rolled oats are recommended for a firmer texture. - What can I use instead of walnuts?
You can use pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, or even skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. - Can I make these bars no-bake?
Yes, skip the baking powder and refrigerate the mixture after shaping it into bars for a no-bake version. - How long do these bars last?
They can be stored at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerated for up to 7 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Enjoy these Chocolate Banana Oat Bars as a healthy, indulgent treat that satisfies both your sweet tooth and nutritional needs! 🍌🍫