Craving a sweet breakfast treat? Bake a batch of wholesome banana berry oat bars sweetened with banana and honey then topped with fresh strawberries. If strawberries aren’t your thing feel free to make these bars with your favorite berry. You can bake a batch of these ahead of time and reheat for a convenient breakfast on-the-go! Substitute brown rice syrup in place of honey for vegan-friendly bars.
Banana Berry Oat Bars
Ingredients
for strawberry topping
- 2 cups (330 grams) finely minced fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 medium lemon, juiced
for banana oat bars
- 2 cups (160 grams) uncooked rolled oats, divided (certified gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 medium (260 grams) ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey, divided
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Combine strawberries with 1 tablespoon honey and lemon juice (note: if using frozen strawberries, thaw first). Toss with a spoon until well combined. Set mixture aside to chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
In a food processor, process 1 cup rolled oats until it reaches a flour consistency and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1 cup rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, mashed banana, vanilla extract and ramining 1 tablespoon honey. Stir with a spoon until well combined.
Line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer one-half to two-thirds of oat mixture into the baking dish and press into dish with a spatula.
Strain liquid from strawberry mixture and spread berries in a single layer over the oats in the baking dish. Crumble remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberry layer.
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove and cool before cutting into bars.
BUDGET TIP: Fresh berries too expensive? Buy a jar of low- or no-sugar jam at your local supermarket and use it in place of the strawberry topping.
Nutrition Information
Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 4 small bars (2-inch by 2-inch bar)
Per serving: Calories: 289; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 112mg; Carbohydrate: 62g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 26g; Protein: 6g
Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 359mg; Iron: 14%; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 82%; Calcium: 3%
Energizing Tips (optional)
- Spread the bars with 1 tablespoons of nut butter to up calories, protein and fat. (Per serving: Calories: 401; Fat: 12g; Carbohydrate: 65g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 28g; Protein: 12g)
- Enjoy your bars with 1 cup of reduced-fat milk to increase calories and protein. (Per serving: Calories: 418; Fat: 8g; Carbohydrate: 73g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 39g; Protein: 16g)
Photo Credit: Demi Tsasis
