Don’t let overripe bananas go to waste! With this recipe, you can easily transform them into a delicious banana applesauce that forms the base of healthy and flavorful fruit and oat bars. This simple and wholesome treat is perfect for both kids and adults as a snack anytime and anywhere.

Bananas and oats are the stars of this recipe, each bringing their own set of nutritional benefits to the table. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, and they provide a good amount of fiber, which aids in digestion. Oats, on the other hand, are a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, which help keep you full and provide sustained energy throughout the day. They also contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

Incorporating more fruits and whole grains like oats into your diet is a smart move for your overall health. These bars are not only nutritious but also a flavorful snack option that you can enjoy guilt-free. They are perfect for busy mornings, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a light dessert. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (120 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
2 large overripe bananas (approximately 230 grams cleaned and cut)
3 large apples (approximately 400 grams cleaned and cut)
2 small sticks of cinnamon
Juice of half a lemon
1/4 cup of water
2 tbsp. of maple syrup (optional)

Directions

Banana Applesauce:

1. Clean and cut overripe bananas and apples.
2. Combine with cinnamon, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan.
3. Simmer until soft, then mash into a smooth purée.
4. Optionally, add maple syrup and simmer until thickened.
5. Let cool before using in oat bars.

Fruit Oat Bars Part:
6. Roast the rolled oats on a hot pan for about 10 minutes or until fragrant.
7. Transfer a portion of the roasted oats to a blender, finely blend, and then return it to the working bowl.
8. Add the banana applesauce to the oats and stir to create a sticky mixture.
9. Spoon equal quantities of the mixture into a rectangular silicone cup or any preferred shape, shaping them into bars.
10. Press the mixture until it takes the form of a rectangle, similar to store-bought bars.
11. Let the bars sit in the fridge for an hour or until firm.
12. Serve and enjoy these healthy, homemade fruit and oat bars!

Yields: 11 Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes pan cooking + 20 minutes pan cooking

Nutritional Information

Per 1 Serving:
Energy: 73 calories
Protein: 2.22 g
Fat: 0.89 g
Carbohydrates: 19.23 g
Fiber: 2.7 g

Storage

• Store your fruit bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• These bars are not only nutritious but also a flavorful snack option that you can enjoy guilt-free!