These Banana Oat Bars are the perfect combination of delicious and healthy, offering a natural sweetness without any added sugar. Packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, these bars make an excellent energy-boosting snack or a guilt-free dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Bars:

• Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened only with bananas and dried fruits, making them a healthy alternative to traditional sugary snacks.
• High in Fiber and Protein: The oats, nuts, and dried fruits provide plenty of fiber and protein to keep you full and energized.
• Easy to Make: These bars are simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, making them a convenient snack for busy days.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 80 grams rolled oats: Provides a hearty base and adds fiber to the bars.
• 100 grams raisins: Adds natural sweetness and chewiness.
• 100 grams nuts (a mixture of walnuts and peanuts): Adds crunch and healthy fats.
• 100 grams dried plums: Brings a rich, natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries: Adds a tangy flavor and additional sweetness.
• 2 bananas: Acts as a natural sweetener and binding agent.
• 40 grams dark chocolate (sugar-free): Adds a rich, chocolatey flavor without the sugar.
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and adds a hint of coconut flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
   • Chop the nuts (walnuts and peanuts), dried plums, and dark chocolate into small pieces.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
   • Add the rolled oats, raisins, chopped nuts, dried plums, dried cranberries, and mashed bananas to the bowl. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined.
   • In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
   • Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the oat mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
4. Shape the Bars:
   • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.
5. Bake:
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Cool and Slice:
   • Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing it into bars. This helps the bars set and makes them easier to handle.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once cooled, slice the mixture into bars of your desired size. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Cooking Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to suit your taste.
• Make It Crunchy: For a crunchier texture, toast the nuts and oats in the oven for a few minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients.
• Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars will be. Use very ripe bananas for the best results.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: To extend their shelf life, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

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

• Calories: Approximately 170
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g (naturally occurring)

Possible Questions:

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   • Yes! Simply use gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
2. Can I use other dried fruits?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with dried apricots, dates, or figs to add different flavors and textures.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
   • Yes, these bars are naturally vegan. Just make sure the dark chocolate you use is dairy-free.
4. What can I use instead of coconut oil?
   • You can use any other neutral oil, like vegetable oil, or even butter if you’re not avoiding dairy.

Conclusion:

These Banana Oat Bars are a fantastic, healthy alternative to sugary snacks, packed with natural ingredients that provide energy and nutrition. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a post-workout treat, these bars are sure to satisfy without the guilt. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of these wholesome bars!