Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious snack. Made with minimal ingredients like oats, bananas, strawberries, and nut butter, these bars are naturally sweetened and free of artificial additives. Not only do they taste great, but they’re also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nourishing option for both adults and children. Plus, they’re versatile—you can swap out strawberries for other fruits, try different nut butters, or add extra ingredients like cinnamon or chocolate chips to suit your taste!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoon nut butter (almond, peanut, or your favorite)
- 6 strawberries, chopped
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 7×11 or 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
-
Mix: In the prepared baking dish, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, oats, and chopped strawberries. Stir until well combined.
-
Press: Spread the mixture evenly throughout the baking dish and press down gently to ensure it's about an inch thick.
-
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
-
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and place on a cutting board. Slice into bars or squares.
-
Enjoy: Serve and enjoy these tasty, healthy bars with your family!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 12 bars
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Fruits: Swap the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Butters: Experiment with different nut butters like cashew, sunflower, or even tahini for variety.
- Extras: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of dark chocolate chips for an extra twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by placing them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
FAQs
How long do these strawberry oat bars last?
These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and chop them before adding to the mixture.
Can I substitute the nut butter for something else?
Yes, you can substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy.
What other fruits can I use in these bars?
Other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches work great as substitutes for strawberries.
Do I have to bake these bars?
Yes, baking helps the mixture set and form into bars. The texture will not hold together properly if not baked.
Can I add protein powder to these bars?
Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture, but keep in mind it may affect the texture of the bars.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, these bars are naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based nut butter and ensure no dairy is used in any added ingredients.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars can be made gluten-free.
How thick should the bars be when pressed into the baking dish?
The bars should be about an inch thick when pressed down into the baking dish.
Can I make a double batch of these bars?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger baking dish. Keep an eye on the baking time as it may take a bit longer.
Conclusion
These strawberry oat bars are the perfect healthy, naturally sweetened snack for both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have a wholesome, homemade treat ready in no time. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or something to keep your energy up during the day, these bars are a satisfying and delicious choice.
Strawberry Oat Bars
These easy Strawberry Oat Bars are a healthy, naturally sweetened snack made with ripe bananas, fresh strawberries, and rolled oats. A perfect on-the-go treat for both kids and adults, they’re full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Free of added sugars and artificial additives, these bars are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a wholesome, guilt-free indulgence. Customize with different fruits or nut butters for a personalized touch!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: About 12 bars
- Category: Snack, Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 2 tbsp nut butter (almond, peanut, or your favorite)
- 6 strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 7×11 or 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix: In the prepared dish, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, oats, and chopped strawberries. Stir until well mixed.
- Press: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and press it down gently, about 1 inch thick.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and slice them into bars or squares.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy these healthy, homemade treats!
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if desired.
Leave a Reply