Guilt-Free Banana Oat Delights: A Sugar-Free, Flour-Free Dessert Dream

Ingredients

For these guilt-free treats, you’ll need:

For the base:

  • 2 ripe bananas (about 200g or 7 oz)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 130g (1 1/4 cups) rolled oats
  • 40g (1/2 cup) unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of salt

For the topping:

  • 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts or walnuts, roughly chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).

In a blender or food processor, puree the peeled bananas until smooth. This not only adds natural sweetness but also contributes to the moist texture of our treats.

Transfer the banana puree to a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and milk, whisking until well combined. The eggs will provide structure to our dessert, while the milk adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.

2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the rolled oats, coconut flakes, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a smooth batter. The oats and coconut flakes not only add fiber and healthy fats but also create a delightful texture.

3. Bake the Base

Line a baking dish (approximately 9×9 inches or 23×23 cm) with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

» MORE:  Potato and Ground Beef Rolls with Mushroom Tomato Salad Table of Contents Ingredients For the Potato Roll: 5–6 medium-sized potatoes, grated 3 eggs 1 tsp salt Black pepper, to taste Smoked paprika, to taste 3 tbsp (0.2 cups) regular flour 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced Vegetable oil, for greasing 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground beef 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 large tomato, diced 2.5 oz (70 g) tomato paste Italian herbs, to taste Parmesan cheese, grated (1.8 oz or 50 g) A bunch of parsley, finely chopped Salt and black pepper, to taste For the Mushroom Tomato Salad: 3–4 large mushrooms, sliced 2–3 tomatoes, sliced Fresh lettuce leaves, chopped 1 garlic clove, grated 1 tbsp Greek yogurt 1 tsp mustard Salt and black pepper, to taste Directions For the Potato Roll: Prepare the Potato Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and flour until smooth. Add grated potatoes, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the mixture. Stir well. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and drizzle with vegetable oil. Spread the potato mixture evenly across the pan in a thin layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 20 minutes. Prepare the Meat Filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it into small pieces. Cook until browned. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in diced tomato, tomato paste, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook until the tomatoes are softened. Add chopped parsley, mix thoroughly, and remove from heat. Assemble the Rolls: After baking, remove the potato layer from the oven and cut it into even rectangles. Place a portion of the meat mixture on one edge of each rectangle and roll it up tightly into a log. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the rolls, reserving some for later. Return the rolls to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes at 180°C (356°F). For the Mushroom Tomato Salad: Heat a skillet with a drizzle of vegetable oil and sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown. Add sliced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. In a bowl, combine chopped lettuce, grated garlic, Greek yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the sautéed mushrooms and tomatoes to the salad and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Serving Suggestions Serve the potato rolls warm with the mushroom tomato salad on the side. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Pour the batter into the prepared dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. This ensures uniform baking and a consistent texture throughout.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Prepare the Topping

While the base is cooling, let’s prepare our decadent topping. Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl along with the butter.

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chocolate to seize.

Stir in the chopped nuts. This adds a delightful crunch and a boost of healthy fats and protein.

5. Assemble and Chill

Once the base has cooled completely, pour the chocolate nut mixture over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the topping to set. This not only makes it easier to cut but also enhances the overall texture and flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, lift the dessert out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving, assumes 12 servings):

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Fat: 14g (mostly from healthy sources like nuts and coconut)
  • Natural Sugars: 8g (from bananas and milk)

Tips for Perfect Banana Oat Delights

  1. Banana ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
  2. Oat texture: If you prefer a finer texture, pulse the oats in a food processor before adding them to the batter.
  3. Milk alternatives: Feel free to use any type of milk – almond, soy, or oat milk work great for a dairy-free version.
  4. Nut-free option: If you have nut allergies, replace the nuts in the topping with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  5. Storage: These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
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These Banana Oat Delights are more than just a dessert – they’re a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or indulgence. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect as a guilt-free dessert, but it’s also nutritious enough to serve as a quick breakfast or energizing snack.

The natural sweetness from the bananas, combined with the richness of dark chocolate and the crunch of nuts, creates a satisfying treat that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. Plus, the fiber from the oats and the protein from the eggs and nuts make these delights surprisingly filling.

Whether you’re following a specific diet, looking to reduce your sugar intake, or simply want to try a new, healthier dessert option, these Banana Oat Delights are sure to impress. They’re proof that with a little creativity, we can transform simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly special.

So, preheat that oven, mash those bananas, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you!

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