Description
These Strawberry Banana Oat Bars combine wholesome oats, ripe bananas, and a vibrant homemade chia-strawberry jam for a naturally sweet and nutritious snack or breakfast option. Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a delightful balance of chewy and fruity textures with a hint of vanilla and maple syrup sweetness.
Ingredients
Chia Strawberry Jam
- 2 cups (280 g) frozen strawberries
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp (14 g) chia seeds
Oat Bars
- 1 cup (80 g) quick oats
- 3/4 cup (80 g) oat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 medium-sized ripe bananas, mashed (240 g or 1 cup)
- 3 Tbsp (45 ml) maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Make the jam: Add the frozen strawberries and maple syrup to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the berries release their juices, about 5 to 15 minutes depending on thawing. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the berries reduce and thicken, about 5 to 10 minutes. Use a spoon or potato masher to break the berries apart further.
- Add chia seeds: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in chia seeds. Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let the jam cool to thicken further.
- Prepare baking pan and oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving edges overhanging for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine quick oats, oat flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients and form dough: Add mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a uniform dough forms.
- Assemble bars: Spread 3/4 of the oat mixture evenly into prepared baking pan using a spatula. Spoon the chia strawberry jam evenly over the base layer, leaving some space around edges to prevent burning. Drop the remaining oat mixture on top and gently spread and swirl into the jam layer.
- Bake: Place pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and store: Let bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate in warm weather.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used directly without thawing for a thicker jam texture.
- Oat flour can be made by grinding quick oats in a food processor.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of bars from the pan.
- Bars keep well at room temperature but refrigeration is recommended in warm climates to prevent spoilage.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds to the oat mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
