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In a world increasingly aware of health and wellness, the concept of healthy snacking has gained significant traction. Gone are the days when indulging in sweet treats meant sacrificing our dietary goals. The rising popularity of guilt-free dessert recipes reflects a growing desire to enjoy flavorful snacks without compromising on nutrition. One such delightful option is oatmeal cookie bars, which serve as a versatile choice for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout treat.

Guilt-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Discover the joy of healthy snacking with these delicious guilt-free oatmeal cookie bars! Perfect for breakfast, a quick pick-me-up, or a post-workout treat, these bars blend wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, ripe bananas, and nut butter. Packed with fiber and nutrients, they satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping your health goals on track. Easy to customize with optional add-ins, this recipe is ideal for everyone. Enjoy a nutritious snack that tastes amazing!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (approximately 2 medium bananas)

1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (choose based on sweetness preference)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional for a sweeter touch)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or seeds (optional for added crunch)

1/3 cup dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries) (optional for a fruity flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some excess paper to hang over the edges. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they're baked.

    Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and almond butter. Use a fork or whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.

      Add Sweetness: Incorporate the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract into the banana-almond mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is fully combined and the mixture has a uniform consistency.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding to the wet mixture.

          Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the two mixtures are just combined. If you want to enhance the bars, fold in your choice of dark chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruits here.

            Prepare for Baking: Pour the final mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly, and press down gently to compact the mixture slightly for better cohesion.

              Bake Your Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a few crumbs.

                Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars for serving.

                  Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy your Guilt-Free Oatmeal Cookie Bars as a healthy snack or a delicious breakfast on the go!

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