Get ready to indulge in a deliciously wholesome treat that will satisfy your snack cravings without the guilt! These Blueberry Pecan Oat Bars are not only easy to make but are packed with nutrients, making them the perfect on-the-go snack or a delightful addition to your breakfast routine. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the burst of juicy blueberries, combined with the crunch of pecans, these bars are a flavor explosion you won't want to miss. Plus, they come together in just 40 minutes! Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a delightful snack that your taste buds will thank you for!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, mashed ripe bananas, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and create a consistent texture.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Distribute fresh or frozen blueberries evenly across the base layer, creating a uniform fruit layer.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, covering them loosely to create a rustic, textured top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes to allow the bars to set.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 equal bars, ensuring clean, even slices.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to swap out the pecans for your favorite nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds, to customize the flavor and texture.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them; just toss them in directly.
- Press Firmly: Make sure to press the oat mixture firmly into the pan to create a sturdy base. This will help the bars hold their shape once baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, even slices. This helps them set and prevents crumbling.
- Storage Tips: Store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage. They make a great grab-and-go snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
