Banana, apple, and oat bars are a delightful, wholesome treat that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas, the tartness of apples, and the goodness of oats. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert, these bars are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar filled with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and delightful bits of nuts and dried fruit. It’s a comforting combination that everyone will love!
Gather Your Banana, Apple, and Oat Bar Ingredients
To make these delicious bars, you’ll need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and grated
- 200 g (2 cups) oats
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk or plant-based milk
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey or maple syrup
- 60 g (1/4 cup) unsweetened applesauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 50 g (1/2 cup) chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- 50 g (1/2 cup) dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
How to Make Banana, Apple, and Oat Bars
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Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Prepare a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are smooth and creamy.
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Add the grated apples, honey (or maple syrup), milk, applesauce (if using), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until well combined.
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In another bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and stir until everything is just mixed together.
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Gently fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center feels firm to the touch.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into portions.
The Best Way to Serve It
These banana, apple, and oat bars are wonderful as a stand-alone snack, but you can elevate them by serving them with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra honey. They’re also fantastic alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. For a fun twist, try warming them up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving; they become extra gooey and delicious!
Helpful Tricks for Banana, Apple, and Oat Bars
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Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap the nuts or dried fruits based on what you have at home. Chocolate chips or seeds can also make great additions!
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Storage Tip: Store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week.
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Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just cut the bars before freezing them and place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Banana, Apple, and Oat Bar FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of nuts or dried fruits?
A: Absolutely! You can use any nuts or dried fruits you like. Just keep them chopped to bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
Q: Can these bars be made vegan?
A: Yes! Simply use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey. You can also omit the applesauce if you prefer.
Q: Is there a way to make these bars sweeter?
A: If you like your bars sweeter, you can add a bit more honey or maple syrup to taste. Just be careful not to add too much liquid.
Making banana, apple, and oat bars is a simple process that results in a delicious and healthy treat. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack, these bars are sure to please. Get ready to delight your taste buds!