Healthy Oatmeal Bars with Raisins, Nuts, and Dark Chocolate

These Healthy Oatmeal Bars with Raisins, Nuts, and Dark Chocolate are a perfect snack for those looking for a nutritious and satisfying treat. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, these bars are not only delicious but also provide lasting energy. They’re easy to make and perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as a quick breakfast or snack.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Times:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Cuisine: Healthy, Snack, Meal Prep

Ingredients:

• 80 grams rolled oats (about 1 cup)

• 100 grams raisins (about 2/3 cup)

• 100 grams mixed nuts (walnuts and peanuts), chopped

• 100 grams dried plums (about 1/2 cup), chopped

• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries

• 2 bananas, mashed

• 40 grams dark chocolate (sugar-free), chopped

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish (preferably 8×8 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 80 grams rolled oats, 100 grams raisins, 100 grams chopped mixed nuts, 100 grams dried plums, and 1 tablespoon dried cranberries. Stir them together to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

3. Mash the Bananas:

• In a separate small bowl, mash the 2 bananas until smooth. The bananas will act as a natural sweetener and binder for the bars.

4. Melt the Chocolate and Coconut Oil:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, add the 40 grams dark chocolate and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Add the mashed bananas and melted chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir well to combine. You should have a thick, sticky dough-like consistency.

6. Press the Mixture Into the Baking Dish:

• Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to press it down firmly into an even layer.

7. Bake:

• Bake the oatmeal bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should feel firm to the touch.

8. Cool and Slice:

• Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars of your desired size.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve as a healthy snack, breakfast, or energy-boosting treat. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar, based on 12 bars):

• Calories: 150-180 kcal

• Protein: 3-4 g

• Fat: 8-10 g

• Carbohydrates: 25-30 g

• Fiber: 4-5 g

• Sugar: 10-12 g (naturally occurring from fruits)

The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:

This recipe draws inspiration from healthy snacks that focus on using whole ingredients for natural sweetness and nourishment. Oatmeal-based bars have become a popular snack for busy individuals, as they provide a good balance of fiber and protein, making them ideal for keeping energy levels steady. The inclusion of dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate adds both texture and rich flavors, making this recipe not only nutritious but also satisfying.

The concept of using bananas as a sweetener and binder in baked goods has grown in popularity as people move toward healthier alternatives to refined sugar. With the rise of meal prep culture, oatmeal bars have become a convenient and portable option for those looking to fuel their day with minimal effort.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Packed with Nutrition: This recipe includes nutrient-dense ingredients like oats, raisins, mixed nuts, and dried plums, all of which contribute to a wholesome and healthy snack.

• Natural Sweetness: The bananas and dried fruits provide natural sweetness without the need for added sugars, making these bars a healthier alternative to store-bought granola bars or snacks.

• Energy Boosting: The combination of fiber from oats, healthy fats from nuts, and protein from the nuts and oats makes these bars a great source of sustained energy.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: These bars can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for a grab-and-go snack or breakfast throughout the week.

• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate for other favorites like almonds, dried figs, or coconut.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Oats, dried plums, and raisins are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and keeps you feeling full longer.

• Packed with Healthy Fats: The mixed nuts provide heart-healthy fats, which are essential for brain health and hormone balance.

• Antioxidants: Dried fruits like raisins and cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and protect against chronic diseases.

• Natural Energy Source: The combination of complex carbohydrates from oats and simple sugars from fruits gives you a natural energy boost without the blood sugar spikes that come from refined sugars.

Serving Suggestions:

• Breakfast: Pair these oatmeal bars with a cup of yogurt or a smoothie for a complete, balanced breakfast.

• Snacks: Enjoy these bars as a healthy afternoon snack to keep you energized throughout the day.

• Post-Workout: The carbs and protein make these bars an ideal snack after a workout to replenish energy and aid in muscle recovery.

• With Nut Butter: Spread some almond or peanut butter on top for added flavor and a dose of healthy fats.

Cooking Tips:

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter they will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they provide more natural sweetness.

• Chop the Nuts: If you prefer smaller bites, chop the nuts into smaller pieces before mixing them in. This will help distribute them evenly throughout the bars.

• Store Properly: These bars are best stored in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 5 days, or you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life.

• Add More Flavor: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor of these bars.

Variations to Try:

• Vegan Version: Omit the dark chocolate with dairy and choose a plant-based chocolate alternative. Also, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

• Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies, replace the nuts with seeds such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars: Add chocolate chips in place of or in addition to the dark chocolate for an extra treat.

Conclusion:

These Healthy Oatmeal Bars with Raisins, Nuts, and Dark Chocolate are a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients that come together in an easy-to-make snack. Whether you need a quick breakfast or an energy-boosting snack, these bars deliver both flavor and health benefits. By using whole, natural ingredients, these bars are a healthier option than many store-bought snacks. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make them exactly to your liking.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section:

1. Can I substitute the oats with something else? Yes, you can try using quinoa flakes or even a gluten-free oats alternative if you need a gluten-free version.

2. Are these bars vegan-friendly? Yes, simply replace the honey or sweeteners with agave syrup and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.

3. Can I make these bars without bananas? If you want to skip the bananas, try using unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato as a binder.

4. Can I use different nuts? Absolutely! You can swap the walnuts and peanuts with almonds, cashews, or any nut of your choice.

5. How long will these bars last? Stored in an airtight container, these bars will last for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

6. Can I freeze these bars? Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

7. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit? It’s best to use dried fruit for this recipe to avoid excess moisture, but you can try fresh fruit if desired, but be mindful of texture.

8. Can I add protein powder to these bars? Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to boost the protein content. Just be sure to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.

9. How can I make these bars sweeter? If you like sweeter bars, you can increase the amount of dried fruit or add a sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.

10. Can I add coconut flakes to these bars? Yes, adding shredded coconut is a great way to add texture and flavor to these oatmeal bars. Just stir them into the mixture before baking.