Discover the joy of transforming ripe bananas into these Ultimate Banana Oatmeal Bars – your new go-to recipe for a quick, nutritious snack or a sweet treat. Perfect for those who appreciate simplicity in the kitchen, these bars are not only easy to make but also pack a punch of protein, thanks to the addition of collagen. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and optionally loaded with dairy-free chocolate chips, they’re an ideal pick-me-up at any time of the day or a delightful complement to your morning yogurt bowl.
Why You’ll Love This: What’s not to love about a recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious? These banana oatmeal bars utilize the natural sweetness of overripe bananas, combined with the richness of peanut butter, to create a moist, flavorful snack that’s hard to resist. The addition of collagen boosts the protein content, making each bar a satisfying, energy-boosting treat. Whether you’re in need of a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert option, these bars have got you covered.
Perfect Occasion: These banana oatmeal bars are versatile enough for any occasion. Pack them for a healthy office snack, enjoy them as a post-exercise treat, or serve them at a casual brunch with friends. They’re also perfect for back-to-school snacks or as a nutritious addition to a breakfast buffet. And, of course, they’re ideal for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but still want to keep things healthy.
Decoration Tips: For an extra special touch, drizzle your banana oatmeal bars with a little dairy-free chocolate or peanut butter sauce once they’ve cooled. A sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the flavors, especially if you’re including the chocolate chips. If you’re serving these bars as part of a breakfast or brunch spread, garnish them with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of rolled oats for a rustic, appetizing look.
Ingredients:
- Overripe Bananas: 2 medium
- Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup
- Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: 1 1/4 cups
- Collagen Powder: 2 scoops
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly until no large lumps remain. Add the peanut butter to the bananas and mix until well combined and creamy.
- Fold in the rolled oats and collagen powder until fully incorporated. If you’re adding chocolate chips, stir them in evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool in the dish before slicing them into bars for easy serving.
Enjoy these Ultimate Banana Oatmeal Bars, a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a nutritious addition to your breakfast routine. Enjoy!
