Guilt-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars

In recent years, the demand for healthy snacks has surged, reflecting a broader shift in consumer preferences towards nutritious options that don't compromise on taste. As more people seek to balance their dessert cravings with healthier eating habits, the search for guilt-free alternatives has never been more prominent. Among these alternatives, Guilt-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars stand out as a delicious solution that combines wholesome ingredients with the comforting flavors of traditional cookies.

Discover the delight of Guilt-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars, a nutritious dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings without the guilt. With wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, ripe bananas, and almond butter, these chewy bars are rich in fiber and healthy fats. Perfect as a snack, breakfast, or post-workout treat, they can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins. Indulge in a deliciously healthy option that everyone can enjoy!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)

1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter (or nut butter of choice)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) or seeds (optional)

1/3 cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins or cranberries) (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and almond butter, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Add the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract to the banana mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.

In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt together.

Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruits at this stage.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Press down gently to ensure it holds together.

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

Remove from oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.

Enjoy your Guilt-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars as a nutritious snack or breakfast option!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 16 bars