You can make a million things with bananas, but oatmeal bites are probably my new favorite. These snacks are quick, easy, and perfect for on the go. These are also gluten-free, nut-free, and toddler and husband approved.
My once-a-good-eater is now two and has extreme opinions about food. Every week, and let’s be honest, every day is different. Grocery shopping has become a challenge. I love to keep fresh produce on hand at all times, and I hate to waste food.
I always have bananas at home – my son used to be obsessed with them and they are a staple in our household for smoothies and almond butter banana toast. They are a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Manganese. Of course my son has decided he is now only in the mood for them at random times, mainly in the grocery store and at other people’s houses.
Oatmeal bites can be made dairy-free by replacing the chocolate chips. Bonus! Once you get the basic recipe down, you can substitute one of the bananas with ½ cup of squash or pumpkin puree. Get creative! Mix up the toppings – try raisins, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes.
Ingredients
Yield: 9
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Preheat your oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or a “Silpat” if you have one). Next, puree your ripe bananas in a food processor or manually mash them until they are smooth. In a medium-size bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and chocolate chips. Mix everything until it’s well combined and add in the banana puree. Continue to mix until a thick, wet consistency is achieved and all of the oats are wet. Then use a large ice cream scoop to portion out rounds onto the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, and then cool and enjoy!
