These healthy snack bars are delicious and so healthy. Not only are they soft and bursting with flavor but they are also loaded with healthy oats and bananas. I love them because they are easy to make and guilt free.
They are one of my kid’s favorite “healthy snacks”. Just don’t tell them that these snack bars are actually good for them. They closely resemble a chewy granola bar but without all the extra sugar. I have been making these since they were little kids and I can’t believe that they still ask for them. But that’s how good these snack bars really are.
Easy and Delicious
These are perfect to take with you anywhere you are going. They are a great pick-me-snack for kiddos and adults alike. Grab one on your way to run errands, the park or just munch on them around the house. They are easy to pack in a lunch or even in a special picnic.
Feel free to substitute the dried cranberries for different dried fruits. You could also omit the chocolate chips for an even healthier option (I’m a bit of a chocolate addict so chocolate usually is included in my kitchen). Chopped nuts would also be a great nutritious add in.
You could also leave them in a round shape for a healthy cookie or even a yummy breakfast cookie.
Ingredients
The ingredients for these yummy snacks are so simple. There is a good chance you already have most of the ingredients in your cupboard. You will need:
- Oatmeal
- Ripe bananas
- Olive Oil
- Vanilla
- Chocolate Chips, Cranberries, orange zest (or other add-ins)
If you are like me and throw your over ripe bananas into the freezer to use later then this recipe is perfect for you. Just defrost those darkened bananas (ignore any grossed-out faces from unenlightened family or roommates) trust me, they are even sweeter and more delicious this way!
If your bananas are on the small side or if your mixture seems too dry then simply add an extra banana. This recipe is very flexible. Don’t worry about messing it up.
Directions
To make my healthy snack bars simply preheat your oven to 375˚. Then peel and mash your bananas. Next mix in your vanilla and olive oil.
Add your oatmeal, chocolate chips, cranberries and orange zest and mix until everything is incorporated.
Using a cookie scoop or table spoon drop the dough onto a lined baking sheet. I use 2 cookie scoops for every bar. Use your hands to shape your dough into rectangle bars about ⅓ to ½ an inch thick.
You will bake them for about 20 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden. Cool completely, then you can store them in an airtight container.
Recipe
Healthy Snack Bars
Ingredients
- 3 Bananas very ripe
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 3 Tbs. Olive Oil
- 2 cups Oatmeal
- ⅓ c. Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- ⅓ c. Dried Cranberries
- 1 Tb. Orange Zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚. Peel and mash the bananas.
- Mix in the vanilla and olive oil.
- Add the oatmeal, chocolate chips, cranberries and orange zest and mix until everything is incorporated.
- Scoop onto a lined baking sheet. Use your hands shape into rectangle bars about ⅓ to ½ an inch thick.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden.
- Cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
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Please make sure to leave your questions, comments and ratings below!
Adrienne Steinbach
If I don’t have bananas what’s a good substitute? Peanut butter maybe?
admin
Hi Adrienne, I have made this recipe several times using applesauce instead of bananas. 1 1/2 cups of applesauce should be equal to the three bananas. You could add some peanut butter, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup substituting out for an equal amount of the applesauce. I wouldn't rely only on peanut butter as a substitute this recipe needs some smashed up fruit to sweeten it and bind it altogether. Happy baking.
Inez
Delicious. I really loved these snack bars. They are easy to make and so easy to grab and take with me to practice. The are as good as granola bars but so much healthier.