Looking for a nutritious and delicious snack to fuel your day? These Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are an excellent option for breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a light dessert. Packed with the natural sweetness of bananas, the tartness of cranberries, and the richness of dried apricots and almonds, these bars offer a balanced combination of flavors and textures. The oatmeal base provides fiber and a good dose of energy, while the dried fruits and nuts add a satisfying chewiness and crunch. Whether you’re on the go or need a quick snack at home, these bars are easy to prepare and provide a wholesome treat that both adults and kids will love.
These Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are not only delicious but also customizable! Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make them your own. They are also a great way to use up ripe bananas and leftover dried fruits in your pantry. Let’s dive into the recipe that will give you a nourishing and tasty snack that you can enjoy throughout the week!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
1 cup oatmeal
150 ml milk (you can use plant-based milk if preferred)
2 bananas, mashed
2 eggs, beaten (be sure to wash your eggs before using them)
A pinch of vanillin (or vanilla extract)
50 g cranberries (dried or fresh)
50 g dried apricots, chopped
30 g almond flakes
1 teaspoon baking powder
Vegetable oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oatmeal Mixture
Soak the Oats: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal with 150 ml of milk. Stir the mixture to ensure the oats are evenly coated in the milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will allow the oats to absorb the milk and soften, creating a smoother texture for the bars.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Mash the Bananas: While the oats are soaking, peel and mash the 2 bananas in a separate bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to break them down into a smooth puree.
Add the Wet Ingredients: After the oats have softened, add the mashed bananas to the oatmeal mixture. Stir well to combine. Then, add the 2 beaten eggs, a pinch of vanillin (or vanilla extract), and 50 g dried cranberries. Stir everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Incorporate Dried Fruits and Nuts: Next, add the 50 g of chopped dried apricots, 30 g of almond flakes, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix again to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The dried apricots and cranberries will provide natural sweetness and tartness, while the almonds add a nice crunch to the bars.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish (around 8×8 inches or a similar size) with a thin layer of vegetable oil or use parchment paper to line it. This will prevent the oatmeal bars from sticking to the dish during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Pour the Mixture into the Baking Dish: Pour the prepared oatmeal mixture into the greased or lined baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out evenly.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once preheated, place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you prefer a firmer texture, leave them in the oven for an extra 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Cool Down: Once the oatmeal bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps them firm up and makes it easier to cut them into neat squares or bars.
Slice and Serve: Once the bars have cooled slightly, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These Banana & Cranberry Oatmeal Bars are perfect for packing into lunchboxes, enjoying with a cup of tea, or grabbing as a quick snack.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on one serving (1 bar, based on 8 servings per recipe).
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