banana dark chocolate oat bars

I love a healthy dessert or snack! I made these bars, and they did not disappoint. While they are great for a dessert or snack, I also enjoy them for breakfast as well. They use just four ingredients and are very simple to make. The dark chocolate chips really enhance the flavor of the bar. I definitely recommend that you add them, though you can of course omit them if you are not a dark chocolate fan.

These bars are already vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free, and there is even a paleo option noted in Melissa’s Modifications.

To Healthy Eating!

Melissa

PS: Be sure to check out my newly-published Power of 5 Test Kitchen Cookbook: Caregiver Edition! Here’s a bit about it: Full of recipes, helpful hints, and the tools you need to promote safe and meaningful engagement for those challenged with an illness. Your kitchen can be a place where fun and health flourish, no matter the challenges you face.

The Power of 5 Test Kitchen Cookbook: Full Edition will release in Fall 2021 with many more time-tested, healthy Power of 5 recipes. There’s even a section for healthy Power of 5 dog treats! Stay tuned.

PPS: Remember to follow me in the Power of 5 Test Kitchen and join in the happenings!

Banana, Dark Chocolate Oat Bars

A healthy, easy dessert, snack or breakfast bar with few ingredients but still packed full of nutrients!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine All American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups Rolled oats Gluten-free.
  • 6-7 Bananas
  • 1 cup Seed and nut butter NuttZo Butter or peanut butter.
  • 1/4-1/2 cup Dark chocolate chips Non-dairy, 70% cacao or greater—the more cacao, the better! Or 80% cacao Ghirardelli.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350º F (or 180º C).
  • Line an 8" x 8" (or similar-sized) glass pan with parchment paper.
  • Set aside half of the chocolate chips, then put all remaining ingredients into a large bowl. Mix.
  • Scoop mixture into the pan and press down firmly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of the mixture.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes. You'll see the sides browning and chocolate will melt.
  • Enjoy! They are delicious right out of the oven!

Notes

Melissa's Modifications:
I love healthy bars for breakfast or a snack on the go. They are versatile, so you can change them up each time you make them. Swap out the bananas for applesauce (3 smashed bananas = 1 c therefore ~2 c of applesauce, but guage on the consistency of the mixture, you do not want it wet) , and/or add chopped dates or raisins. You can also add different nuts like walnuts or almond butter instead of using the seed butter. There is no added sugar.
Nutritional Value:
1 Bar - 240 Calories; 31g Carbohydrates; 12g Fat; 10g Fiber, 8.2g Sugar, 8g Protein.  The bars are loaded with Vitamins A, C, Calcium and Iron.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

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