Brian Brijbag

Banana Berry Oat Bars

Ingredients

for strawberry topping

• 2 cups(330 grams) finely minced fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 medium lemon, juiced

for banana oat bars

• 2 cups (162 grams) uncooked rolled oats, divided (certified gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 medium (262 grams) ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine strawberries with 1 tablespoon honey and lemon juice (note: if using frozen strawberries, thaw first). Toss with a spoon until well combined. Set mixture aside to chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.

In a food processor, process 1 cup rolled oats until it reaches a flour consistency and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1 cup rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, mashed banana, vanilla extract and ramining 1 tablespoon honey. Stir with a spoon until well combined.

Line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer one-half to two-thirds of oat mixture into the baking dish and press into dish with a spatula.

Strain liquid from strawberry mixture and spread berries in a single layer over the oats in the baking dish. Crumble remaining oat mixture on top of the strawberry layer.

Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove and cool before cutting into bars.

BUDGET TIP: Fresh berries too expensive? Buy a jar of low- or no-sugar jam at your local supermarket and use it in place of the strawberry topping.

Nutrition Information

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 4 small bars (2-inch by 2-inch bar)

Per serving: Calories: 296; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 641mg; Carbohydrate: 62g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 27g; Protein: 8g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 355mg; Iron: 3%; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 80%; Calcium: 2%

Energizing Tips (optional)

• Spread the bars with 1 tablespoons of nut butter to up calories, protein and fat. (Per serving: Calories: 401; Fat: 12g; Carbohydrate: 65g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 28g; Protein: 12g)
• Enjoy your bars with 1 cup of reduced-fat milk to increase calories and protein.(Per serving: Calories: 418; Fat: 8g; Carbohydrate: 73g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 39g; Protein: 16g)

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