Banana-Oat Energy Bars

These DIY energy bars are guaranteed to taste way better than any bar that comes in a plastic wrapper—and they’re made with ingredients you can actually pronounce. They’re also filling and satisfying, making them a better on-the-go choice than your typical snack food. If you don’t like walnuts and dried cranberries, substitute any nuts and dried fruit.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 12 Bars

Course: Slimming Recipe, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 313

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

¾ cup chopped walnuts
2 very overripe bananas
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup unbleached cane sugar or granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour or replace up to ½ cup with whole wheat flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup dried cranberries

Method

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Coat an 8" x 8" baking pan with cooking spray.
Spread the walnuts on an ungreased baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or just until fragrant.
Meanwhile, mash the bananas in a medium mixing bowl. Add the oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda. Add the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the walnuts and cranberries, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is browned and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out nearly clean. Allow to cool completely before cutting.