When you’re in the mood for something sweet but still want to keep it healthy, these banana oat bars with dark chocolate are the perfect solution. Packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, raisins, nuts, and dried fruits, these bars are not only delicious but also sugar-free. The combination of natural sweetness from bananas and the rich flavor of dark chocolate makes this a guilt-free treat that everyone will love.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Active Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 80 grams rolled oats
- 100 grams raisins
- 100 grams nuts (a mixture of walnuts and peanuts)
- 100 grams dried plums
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
- 2 bananas
- 40 grams dark chocolate (sugar-free)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, raisins, nuts, dried plums, and dried cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth using a blender or fork.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Add the mashed bananas to the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Spread the Mixture:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the tray to about 2 cm thick.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and firm.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
- While the bars are baking, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together. You can use a microwave or a double boiler for this.
- Cool and Coat the Bars:
- Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the bars.
- Place the tray in the fridge for about 40 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and the bars to firm up.
- Serve:
- Once the chocolate has set, cut the mixture into bars.
- Enjoy your healthy and delicious banana oat bars!
Serving Suggestions
- These bars are perfect as a quick breakfast on the go, a snack, or a healthy dessert.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Cooking Tips
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other dried fruits or nuts according to your preference.
- If you prefer a different type of chocolate, you can use milk or white chocolate, but the bars will no longer be sugar-free.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: High in fiber and great for digestion.
- Nuts: Provide healthy fats and protein.
- Bananas: Natural sweetness and rich in potassium.
- Dark Chocolate: Antioxidant-rich and satisfies sweet cravings.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: Ensure the dark chocolate used is vegan
- Dairy-Free: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are labeled gluten-free if necessary
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These bars are easy to make and perfect for a healthy snack or dessert.
- Packed with natural ingredients and free from added sugar.
- The combination of oats, nuts, and dark chocolate makes them both nutritious and delicious.
Conclusion
These healthy banana oat bars with dark chocolate are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth without any added sugar. Enjoy the amazing taste and the wholesome ingredients, perfect for any time of the day. Happy baking!