Description
These Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Bars are a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make snack that’s packed with fiber and flavor. Made with rolled oats, grated zucchini, ripe banana, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients. They’re great for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a post-workout treat!
Ingredients
1 cup grated zucchini
2½ cups rolled oats or quick oats (not instant)
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup flax meal (can substitute chia seeds)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 medium ripe banana (can substitute with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce)
⅓ cup maple syrup
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and wrap it in paper towels or a clean dish towel. Press down to draw out excess moisture. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, flax meal, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Blend wet ingredients: In a blender, combine the banana, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Puree until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry oat mixture and stir to combine.
- Add zucchini and chocolate chips: Stir in the drained zucchini and mini chocolate chips (if using). Mix everything until evenly combined.
- Bake the bars: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Top with extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 30 minutes or until slightly golden brown on top and the edges look dry.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. The cooler the bars, the better they will slice. For best results, chill them in the fridge for a bit before cutting into squares.
- Store and serve: Slice into 9 squares and enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flax meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave.
- Nut Butter Addition: Add 2 tablespoons of almond butter or peanut butter to the wet ingredients for extra flavor and healthy fats.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a spicier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
