These Raspberry Banana Oat Crumble Bars are a delightful and healthy treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how satisfying they taste, embodying the best of healthy banana oat baked goods.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture.
- Rolled Oats: Creates the crumble and provides fiber. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but rolled oats give better texture.
- Fresh or Frozen Raspberries: Adds a burst of tartness. Other berries like blueberries or mixed berries work well too.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener. Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Coconut Oil: Binds the crumble. Melted butter or a neutral-flavored oil can be substituted.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds structure. All-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend can be used.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8 bars
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking dish, mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your healthy banana oat baked goods won’t stick.
2. Make the Oat Crumble Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, whole wheat flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined and a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the Base Layer
Take about two-thirds of the oat mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates the delicious foundation for your bars.
4. Add the Raspberry Layer
Evenly spread the fresh or frozen raspberries over the oat base in the dish. You can gently press them down a little.
5. Top with Remaining Crumble
Crumble the remaining one-third of the oat mixture over the raspberries. Don’t press it down; you want a nice, loose crumble topping.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for extra warmth.
- Stir in ¼ cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for added crunch.
- Include a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
- Experiment with other fruits like chopped apples or peaches.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Raspberry Banana Oat Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make these gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the whole wheat flour.
Do you have to use ripe bananas?
Using ripe bananas is crucial for natural sweetness and moisture, making your healthy banana oat baked goods more flavorful.
Can you use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats provide the best texture, but quick oats can be used if that’s all you have. The texture of the crumble may be slightly different.
How do you prevent the bars from being too soft?
Ensure you let the bars cool completely before cutting. This allows them to firm up and hold their shape better.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These bars are excellent for meal prep and make a convenient, healthy snack or breakfast.
Can you reduce the amount of sweetener?
Yes, if your bananas are very ripe, you can reduce the maple syrup by a tablespoon or two, adjusting to your taste preference.
