These Cinnamon Raisin Banana Oat Bars offer a delightful and wholesome snack, perfect for anyone seeking healthy banana oat baked goods. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how wonderfully they satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture.
- Rolled Oats: The base of your bars. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but the texture will be softer.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and flavor.
- Raisins: For sweet bursts. You can swap these for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
- Maple Syrup/Honey: For added sweetness. Adjust to your preference.
- Nut Butter: Binds everything together and adds richness. Almond butter or peanut butter work well.
Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 cup nut butter (almond or peanut)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Tools: Mixing bowl, 8×8 inch baking dish, parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the healthy banana oat baked goods out much easier.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas thoroughly. You want them to be as smooth as possible to ensure an even consistency in your bars. This forms the moist base for your Cinnamon Raisin Banana Oat Bars.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and forms a smooth mixture.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients
Fold in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the oats are evenly coated and everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add the Raisins
Gently stir in the raisins. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture so every bite of your healthy banana oat baked goods has a sweet raisin burst.
6. Press into the Pan
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly into the pan. This helps the bars hold their shape.
7. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
8. Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut them into 12 even squares. Enjoy your delicious healthy banana oat baked goods!
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon.
- Seed Power: Mix in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds for added nutrients.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Cinnamon Raisin Banana Oat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, you can, but the texture of your healthy banana oat baked goods will be softer and less chewy.
Q: Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?
A: Yes, these Cinnamon Raisin Banana Oat Bars are naturally vegan as long as you use maple syrup and a plant-based nut butter.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the maple syrup or honey to your personal taste. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness.
Q: How do I know when the bananas are ripe enough?
A: Look for bananas with brown spots on their peels. These are sweeter and easier to mash, perfect for healthy banana oat baked goods.
Q: Can I add protein powder to these bars?
A: You can try adding a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder, but you may need to add a splash of plant-based milk or water to maintain the right consistency.
Q: What if my bars are too crumbly?
A: Ensure you’ve pressed the mixture firmly into the pan before baking. Adding a little more nut butter can also help bind them together.
