If you’re looking for a snack that’s both healthy and delicious, these Raspberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect treat! Packed with the goodness of oats, sweet bananas, and tangy raspberries, they make an excellent breakfast, snack, or even dessert. With a touch of white chocolate and protein powder, these bars are satisfying and guilt-free. Plus, they’re super easy to make, and you can enjoy them warm or cold. Let’s get baking!
Method
Preparing the Base (Mashing and Combining):
Begin by gathering ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more easily mashed they will be. In a large mixing bowl, peel the bananas and place them inside. Using a fork, mash the bananas thoroughly until they are smooth. You can leave a few small chunks for added texture if you prefer, but smooth is generally recommended for even distribution.
To the mashed bananas, add the oats (rolled oats work well), protein powder (vanilla or chocolate complements the raspberries), baking powder (for leavening and a lighter texture), chocolate spread (for added richness and flavor), and milk (any type, dairy or non-dairy).
Using a spoon or spatula, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Ensure that there are no dry pockets of oats or protein powder. The mixture should be thick and consistent.
Gently stir in the frozen raspberries. Frozen raspberries work well as they hold their shape during baking and add a burst of tartness. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the raspberries and turn the batter pink.
Preparing the Baking Dish and Adding Toppings:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare an ovenproof dish (a square or rectangular dish works best) by spraying it with cooking oil or lining it with greaseproof paper. This will prevent the oatmeal bars from sticking to the dish and make them easier to remove after baking.
Pour the prepared oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring it reaches all corners.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the oat mixture. The chocolate chips will melt during baking, adding pockets of sweetness. Sprinkle the additional frozen raspberries over the top. This will give the bars a beautiful appearance and add extra bursts of flavor.
Baking and Serving:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the mixture is set. To test for doneness, gently press the center of the bars. It should feel firm and spring back slightly.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the oatmeal bars to cool slightly before cutting them. This will prevent them from crumbling and make them easier to slice. Once they have cooled enough to handle, cut them into six equal squares.
Serve the Raspberry Oatmeal Bars warm with a dollop of fat-free yogurt for added creaminess and protein. Alternatively, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork (for mashing bananas)
- Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
- Ovenproof baking dish or cake tin
- Spray oil or greaseproof paper
- Oven
Ingredients
- For the Bars:
- 200 g oats
- 50 g vanilla protein powder
- 200 ml milk e.g., Alpro coconut milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 mashed bananas
- 50 g M&S white chocolate blonde spread
- 50 g frozen raspberries
- For Toppings:
- 40 g chocolate chips
- Handful of frozen raspberries
Instructions
- Mash the Bananas. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth using a fork.
- Combine Ingredients. Add the oats, protein powder, baking powder, chocolate spread, and milk to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is combined. Gently stir in the frozen raspberries.
- Prepare the Baking Dish. Spray an ovenproof dish with oil or line it with greaseproof paper. Pour the oat mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Toppings. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and additional frozen raspberries over the top.
- Bake. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the mixture is set.
- Cool and Slice. Allow the oatmeal bars to cool slightly before cutting them into six equal squares.
- Serve. Enjoy warm with a dollop of fat-free yogurt, or let them cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Notes
- Mix Evenly: Ensure the ingredients are well combined to avoid dry patches in the bars.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars during baking to ensure they stay moist and don’t dry out.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the bars cool slightly before slicing to keep their shape intact.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.
- Drizzle with extra white chocolate or honey for a sweeter treat.
- Add a handful of fresh raspberries on the side for a burst of freshness.
Fun Fact
Did you know oats are considered a superfood? They’re packed with fiber and beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol levels and keep you full for longer. No wonder they’re a breakfast favorite worldwide!
Conclusion
These Raspberry Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, delicious snack that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for meal prepping or enjoying fresh out of the oven. Try this recipe and let me know how much you loved it. Happy baking! 🫐🍫✨