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These Healthy Oatmeal Nut Bars with Apple and Banana are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are packed with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, nuts, seeds, and fruit, making them a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. The mashed banana and chopped apple add moisture and flavor to the bars, while the nuts and seeds provide a satisfying crunch.

These bars are easy to prepare and require no refined sugar, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes by changing up the nuts or sweeteners. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go, a midday energy boost, or a post-workout snack, these oatmeal nut bars are the perfect choice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Oatmeal – 1 cup (plus an additional ½ cup)

Nuts – ½ cup, chopped (walnuts, almonds, pecans, or your choice)
Sweetener – 1 tablespoon (honey, maple syrup, or stevia)
Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon

Sunflower seeds – 1 tablespoon
Cinnamon – ¼ teaspoon
Apple – 1, peeled and chopped

Banana – 1, mashed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a square or rectangular baking dish (8×8 inches or similar) with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with oil to prevent the bars from sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal, the chopped nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon. Stir well to ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

This dry mixture will serve as the base for your oatmeal nut bars, giving them structure and a crunchy texture.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, mash the banana until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this step.
Peel and chop the apple into small pieces. The apple adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.

Stir the mashed banana and chopped apple into the dry mixture, along with the sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or stevia). Mix everything until the wet ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.

4. Add the Additional Oatmeal:

Stir in the remaining ½ cup of oatmeal. This helps to bind the mixture together and ensures that the bars hold their shape when baked.
If the mixture seems too wet, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of oatmeal to reach the desired consistency. The mixture should be thick and sticky but not too runny.

5. Press the Mixture into the Baking Dish:

Once the mixture is ready, transfer it into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press the mixture down firmly, ensuring that it is spread evenly across the dish.
Pressing the mixture firmly helps the bars stay together once they are baked and cut.

6. Bake the Oatmeal Nut Bars:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown on top and firm to the touch.

Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the center remains soft.

7. Cool and Slice:

Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish. Cooling helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to slice.
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. You should be able to get about 8-12 bars, depending on the size you prefer.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the oatmeal nut bars as a healthy snack or on-the-go breakfast. These bars pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a pre-workout energy boost.

Cooking Tips

Customizing the Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to use any combination of nuts and seeds you like. Chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts work well in this recipe. You can also substitute pumpkin seeds or chia seeds for the sesame or sunflower seeds.
Ripeness of the Banana: The riper the banana, the sweeter the bars will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they add natural sweetness and moisture.

Sweetener Options: If you prefer a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup, or use a sugar-free alternative like stevia. The mashed banana and apple provide enough natural sweetness for most tastes.
Add-ins: You can add other healthy ingredients like raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut to the mixture for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the oatmeal or nuts slightly to maintain the right consistency.
Storage: These bars store well at room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them.
Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Refrigerating helps maintain their freshness and texture.
Freezing: You can freeze these oatmeal nut bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 bars):

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 9 g

Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 8 g

Sodium: 50 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and depend on the portion size and specific ingredients used.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant oatmeal?

Yes, you can use instant oatmeal if you prefer. However, using rolled oats or old-fashioned oats provides a heartier texture and better structure for the bars.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make these bars gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the wholemeal flour with a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour.

3. What can I substitute for the banana?

If you’re not a fan of bananas or don’t have any on hand, you can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato for a similar consistency.

4. Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, these bars can easily be made vegan by using maple syrup or agave nectar as the sweetener, and ensuring that any other ingredients you choose (like chocolate chips or additional add-ins) are vegan-friendly.

5. How can I make the bars firmer?

If you find the bars too soft, you can add a little more oatmeal or flour to the mixture. Pressing the mixture firmly into the baking dish and allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting will also help them hold their shape better.

Conclusion

These Healthy Oatmeal Nut Bars with Apple and Banana are a perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and wholesome ingredients that make for a satisfying snack or breakfast. Packed with the natural goodness of oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit, they provide a nutritious and delicious option for those seeking a healthier snack alternative. With the ability to customize the nuts, sweeteners, and seeds to your liking, this recipe is versatile and adaptable.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week ahead or just need a quick, energy-boosting snack, these bars are simple to make and store. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, pack them in your lunchbox, or grab one on the go—these oatmeal nut bars are sure to become a favorite!