Treat yourself to these Vegan Bounty Oat Bars, where the tropical flavors of coconut blend beautifully with the rich taste of chocolate. These bars are not only delicious but also vegan and gluten-free, making them a perfect snack for anyone looking for a quick, healthy treat. Whether you're rushing out the door in the morning or need a satisfying snack during the day, these oat bars are sure to please.
Why You'll Love This: These Bounty Oat Bars are packed with nutritious ingredients like bananas, oats, and coconut milk, offering a great source of energy and fiber. The addition of cocoa powder gives a deep chocolate flavor that complements the sweet coconut perfectly, creating a taste reminiscent of the popular Bounty chocolate bar but in a healthier, homemade form.
Perfect Occasion: These bars are ideal for breakfast on-the-go, a post-workout snack, or as a healthy dessert option. They're also great for packing into lunchboxes for a midday treat or serving at casual gatherings where guests might appreciate a healthier snack option.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of the bars after baking and sprinkle with additional coconut flakes. Allow the chocolate to set before slicing for a polished, tempting presentation.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- 3 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups coconut milk or any other plant-based milk
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate chips
- Coconut flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Grease an oven-proof dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In the prepared dish, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the oats, cocoa powder, desiccated coconut, baking powder, maple syrup, and coconut milk. Stir everything together until well combined.
- If using, sprinkle the top of the mixture with chocolate chips and coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool in the dish for several minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut them into neat, even bars.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Enjoy these wholesome Vegan Bounty Oat Bars, a delightful combination of coconut and chocolate that's bound to satisfy your cravings while keeping health in check!