Banana bread is old news (lockdown number one, to be precise). I love a flapjack with my afternoon coffee, but they aren’t always diet-friendly. This January I started my weight loss journey on weight watchers and started thinking about healthier alternatives I could create. These banana oat bars couldn’t be much easier to make but make a great breakfast on the go or afternoon snack. You could even spread some peanut butter on top for an extra treat!
According to Healthline, “Oats are loaded with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds.”, which paired with bananas that are high in potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C.
Ingredients
110g porridge oats
2 bananas (over ripe)
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 teaspoon ginger powder
2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
2 teaspoon brown sugar
These banana oat bars are one of my favourite easy bakes. They’re simple, wholesome, and perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Recipe
- To get started, pre-heat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C if you’re using a fan oven). While the oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and measure out 110g of porridge oats. These will give your bars that lovely chewy texture and make them feel really satisfying.
- Next, take two over-ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly until they’re smooth and soft. The riper they are, the sweeter your bars will be, so don’t be afraid to use bananas that are covered in brown spots, they’re actually ideal for this recipe. Add the mashed bananas to the oats and give everything a good mix.
- Once that’s combined, stir in 1 tablespoon of agave nectar for a touch of extra sweetness, along with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. The spices add a warm, cosy flavour that pairs beautifully with the banana, making these bars feel a little bit special despite how simple they are.
- When everything is well mixed and evenly combined, line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and spread the mixture out evenly. Press it down gently with the back of a spoon so it holds together nicely when baked.
- Place the tray into the oven and bake for around 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden and the top feels set.
- Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing into 6 bars. While they’re still warm, you can sprinkle a little brown sugar over the top for a subtle crunch and extra sweetness.
