Oatmeal and Nut Breakfast Bars with Cranberries and Banana

These oatmeal and nut breakfast bars are packed with healthy ingredients and are perfect for a nutritious start to your day. With the natural sweetness of banana, cranberries, and a hint of honey or maple syrup, these bars are easy to make, filling, and great for on-the-go. The combination of oats, nuts, and yogurt adds fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them a great choice for a quick breakfast or snack.

Preparation Time

• • Preparation time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20-25 minutes

• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

• • 1 cup (100g) oatmeal
  • 50g nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans, chopped)

• • 1 teaspoon sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
  • 50g dried cranberries
  • 10g coconut flakes

• • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 100g yogurt (plain or flavored)

Directions

1. 1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) or line it with parchment paper.

   2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, coconut flakes, and baking powder. Stir the dry ingredients together until well mixed.

   3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Add the yogurt and sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar) to the mashed banana and mix well until everything is combined.

1. 1. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. You should have a thick, somewhat sticky batter.

   2. Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to fill the dish.

   3. Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

2. Serve and enjoy: Serve these oatmeal and nut breakfast bars as a snack, for breakfast, or as a light dessert. They’re also great to pack for a lunchbox or to take with you on the go.

Nutritional Facts (Per bar – makes 8 bars)

• • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 4g

• • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 10g
• Iron: 1mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Breakfast bars have become a popular choice for busy individuals seeking a quick and nutritious meal. The idea of combining oats with fruits, nuts, and other wholesome ingredients is inspired by the long history of oatmeal in many cultures. Oats, known for their health benefits, have been consumed for centuries and are recognized for their ability to lower cholesterol, promote heart health, and provide lasting energy.

The combination of oats, nuts, dried fruits, and yogurt has become increasingly popular in recent years as people search for healthy alternatives to traditional breakfast foods. The addition of yogurt helps to add creaminess and a dose of probiotics, making these bars not only nutritious but also good for gut health. This recipe represents a modern twist on traditional breakfast foods, with an emphasis on natural sweetness from bananas and dried cranberries, as well as healthy fats from nuts and coconut.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. The chewiness of the oatmeal combined with the crunchy nuts and the tartness of dried cranberries make every bite exciting. The natural sweetness of banana and the rich, creamy texture from yogurt provide the perfect base for a delicious breakfast bar. These bars are also customizable — you can swap ingredients like the nuts or sweeteners to fit your personal taste or dietary needs. Plus, they’re super easy to make and bake, making them a great option for meal prep or busy mornings.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

This oatmeal and nut breakfast bar recipe offers several health benefits. Oats are known for their fiber content, which helps to promote digestion and keep you feeling full longer. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron and magnesium. The nuts add healthy fats and protein, which are essential for muscle repair and overall health. The dried cranberries provide antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body, while the banana offers potassium and natural sweetness without the need for added sugars. Yogurt contributes calcium and probiotics, promoting bone health and a healthy gut.

Serving Suggestions

• • For breakfast: Serve these bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a filling, grab-and-go breakfast. You can also pair them with fresh fruit or a smoothie for added nutrients.
  • As a snack: These bars are a perfect afternoon snack to keep you energized throughout the day. Pack them in your lunchbox for a healthy treat.
  • For dessert: Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for a sweet treat that won’t derail your healthy eating habits.

Tips

• • Make it vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup or another vegan sweetener instead of honey.
  • Add more flavor: Try adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Customize the nuts and fruits: You can use any nuts and dried fruits you prefer — try swapping in raisins, apricots, or cashews for different tastes and textures.

• Bake in a muffin tin: For individual servings, you can pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on your desired texture.

Variations to Try

• • Chocolate chip version: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips to the batter for a more decadent treat.
  • Peanut butter version: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter into the wet ingredients for extra creaminess and flavor.

• Apple cinnamon bars: Replace the cranberries with diced apples and add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the mixture for a fall-inspired twist.

Conclusion

These oatmeal and nut breakfast bars with cranberries and banana are the perfect healthy snack or breakfast option. With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable flavors, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, they will keep you full and energized throughout the day. Bake a batch today and enjoy the delicious, wholesome goodness!