Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and healthy treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast. These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them not only tasty but also nutritious. With ripe bananas, strawberries, and rolled oats, you can feel good about indulging in these fruity delights.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Strawberry Oatmeal Bars is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, they are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients. Second, they offer a great way to use up ripe bananas and fresh strawberries. Third, you can customize them by adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Plus, they are perfect for on-the-go snacking or a quick breakfast!
How to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (8 oz or 225 g in total)
- ¼ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt (or nondairy yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (50 g) oat flour (replace with almond flour or protein powder)
- 1 cup (150 g) strawberries (fresh and diced)
- 2 to 4 tbsp maple syrup (optional for sweeter bars)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 7 x 7 inch (15 x 15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper.
- Wash the strawberries and remove the tops. Dice them into small pieces using a knife.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Add the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you want sweeter bars, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to taste. Stir everything until smooth.
- Add the rolled oats and oat flour to the mashed banana mixture. Stir until just combined. If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk or more yogurt to loosen it up.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries into the mixture until they are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. If you like, you can also add sliced strawberries on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 to 20 minutes, or until the bars are set in the center. Let them cool to room temperature before slicing into bars.
How to Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Serve Strawberry Oatmeal Bars on their own, or enjoy them with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee, making for a delightful snack or breakfast option.
How to Store Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
You can store the Strawberry Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
- Use overripe bananas for extra sweetness and moisture.
- If you don’t have oat flour, you can blend rolled oats in a blender to make your own.
- For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nuts to the mix.
Variation
You can easily customize these bars by adding in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. For a more indulgent treat, try adding chocolate chips or nuts.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the mixture.
2. Are these bars gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour, these bars can be gluten-free.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make them vegan by using a non-dairy yogurt and an alternative sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey.
