Oatmeal, Walnut, and Banana Bars with Chocolate

1. Prepare the Oatmeal:
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the oatmeal.
Fry the oatmeal for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly toasted and fragrant.
2. Prepare the Nuts and Fruit:
Grind the walnuts until finely chopped.
If using dried plums, grind them as well into smaller pieces.
Peel and mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted oatmeal, ground walnuts, ground plums (if using), and mashed bananas.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until well combined and evenly distributed.
4. Shape and Bake:
Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared dish, smoothing the surface.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and set.
5. Prepare the Chocolate:
While the oatmeal bars are baking, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
6. Finish the Dessert:
Once the baked oatmeal mixture is out of the oven and slightly cooled, pour the melted chocolate over the top, spreading it evenly.
For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top (optional).Place the dish in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to fully set.
7. Serve:
Once the chocolate has solidified, cut the mixture into bars and enjoy this delicious, healthy treat!
Serving Suggestions:
These bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go or as a mid-day snack.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a wholesome snack.
Storage:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: You can also freeze the bars for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Nutritious: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from bananas and dried plums.
Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and effort.
Delicious: The toasted oatmeal, crunchy walnuts, and smooth chocolate create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
These Oatmeal, Walnut, and Banana Bars with Chocolate are not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients that make them a nutritious option for breakfast or a snack. The natural sweetness from the bananas and optional dried plums, combined with the crunch of walnuts and the indulgence of chocolate, creates a perfectly balanced treat. Easy to make and customizable to your preferences, these bars will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re grabbing one on-the-go or enjoying it with your morning coffee, they’re a satisfying and guilt-free choice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts depending on your preference. Just make sure to grind them to a similar consistency.

2. Can I make these bars without the chocolate topping?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the chocolate. The bars will still be delicious and naturally sweet from the bananas and plums.

3. Can I use fresh plums instead of dried plums?
Dried plums (prunes) work best as they add texture and sweetness without making the bars too moist. Using fresh plums may alter the consistency, but you could experiment by reducing the banana quantity slightly.

4. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply use dairy-free chocolate. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.

5. What can I substitute for bananas?
If you don’t like bananas or want a variation, you can use applesauce or mashed sweet potato instead. Both will provide similar moisture and sweetness.

6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you’re gluten-sensitive, use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.

7. How can I store these bars for longer periods?
You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick and healthy snack.

8. Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or even coconut flakes for extra flavor. Chia seeds or flaxseeds can also be mixed in for additional nutrition.

9. Can I reduce the sugar content?
These bars are naturally sweetened with bananas and optional dried plums, so there’s no added sugar in the base recipe. If you want to make it even less sweet, you can reduce or omit the chocolate topping.

10. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats may make the bars more dense.