Healthy Oatmeal Bars
User Reviews
5
Healthy Oatmeal Bars
Description
The recipe blends ripe mashed bananas with peanut butter to form a moist base, enhanced with vanilla extract for aroma. Quick oats and chocolate protein powder add bulk and structure, while dark chocolate chips and chopped roasted peanuts contribute flavor and crunch. The mixture is pressed into a pan and baked until lightly golden on top but still soft inside, creating bars that hold together well without being dry.
These bars make a convenient option for breakfast or snacks, combining protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Variations are possible with different nut butters, protein powder flavors, or chocolate chip types to suit tastes or dietary needs. The bars can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated for longer freshness, or frozen for extended storage.
Additions like cinnamon, nutmeg, or dried fruit can introduce extra flavor notes. The recipe suggests ensuring gluten-free oats are used to maintain dietary restrictions. Preparation can be done with a mixing bowl or food processor for convenience.
Ingredients
- 2 banana ripened and large; mashed
- ½ cup peanut butter or any kind of nut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups quick oats
- 1 coop chocolate protein powder or vanilla, plant-based for vegan option
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips dairy-free for vegan option
- ½ cup peanuts roasted and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mash the 2 bananas with a fork or a potato masher until soft. Stir in the ½ cup peanut butter and mix to incorporate.
- Next, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 ¾ cups quick oats , 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, ½ cup peanuts, and ½ cup dark chocolate chips and mix to combine.
- Evenly spread and gently press the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the bars for 15 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
- Allow the oat bars to cool on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy, and store the rest.
Notes
- Use gluten-free oats to keep the bars gluten-free.
- Add applesauce for extra moisture if desired.
- Substitute peanut butter with cashew, almond, or sunflower butter for allergies or variation.
- Choose plant-based protein powder for a vegan option and adjust chocolate chips accordingly.
- Swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch chips if preferred.
- Replace peanuts with roasted almonds or cashews for different nut flavors.
- Sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut in the mixture and on top for added texture and flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or refrigerate up to one week.
- Freeze cut bars in freezer-safe bags for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Add aromatic spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins for flavor variety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 195 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 195kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 70mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 249mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 13IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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