Healthy Banana Chickpea Oat Breakfast Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Breakfast Bars are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Packed with oats, bananas, chickpeas, and nuts, they provide lasting energy and great flavor. They’re easy to make and perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Mashed Banana (equivalent to 3 large ripe bananas)
• 1 can Canned Chickpeas (drained, rinsed, 15 ounce can/425g)
• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 3/4 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
• 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds
• 1/2 cup Almonds (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the sides for easy removal. Lightly oil the pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. Place them in a large bowl and mash using a potato masher or pulse a few times in a food processor until broken into tiny pieces.
3. Step 3: Mash the ripe bananas and measure out 1 1/2 cups.
4. Step 4: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, mashed chickpeas, peanut butter, oats, vanilla extract, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, chopped almonds, and chocolate chips.
5. Step 5: Mix everything thoroughly, pressing the mixture together to form a sticky, thick batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, pressing it down evenly. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added sweetness.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the bars are dry, golden on top, and set.
8. Step 8: Let the pan cool for 15 minutes, then lift the parchment paper to remove the bars onto a cooling rack.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely for about 1 hour before slicing into 12 pieces.
10. Step 10: Serve plain or with mixed berries and yogurt for a wholesome breakfast.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
• Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for natural sweetness.
• Use gluten-free oats if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Press the mixture firmly in the pan to help the bars hold together better.

Storage

Store the breakfast bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, cooked fresh chickpeas can be used. Just make sure they are fully cooked and soft before mashing.

Are these bars suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as long as you use vegan-friendly chocolate chips and peanut butter without animal products.

Healthy Banana Chickpea Oat Breakfast Bars Recipe

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These healthy breakfast bars combine mashed bananas, chickpeas, oats, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate chips to create a nutritious, protein-packed start to your day. Packed with fiber and natural sweetness, they are easy to prepare and perfect for on-the-go mornings or a wholesome snack.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Mashed Banana (equivalent to 3 large ripe bananas)
• 1 can Canned Chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 ounce can / 425g)
• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 3/4 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
• 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds
• 1/2 cup Almonds, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly oil the pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly over a sieve. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Mash Chickpeas: Using a potato masher, mash the chickpeas into small pieces. Alternatively, pulse them a few times in a food processor to break apart. Set aside.
4. Mash Bananas: Mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Pack into measuring cups to get exactly 1 1/2 cups.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, mashed chickpeas, peanut butter, rolled oats, vanilla extract, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, chopped almonds, and dark chocolate chips.
6. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients well, pressing them together to form a sticky and thick batter that holds together.
7. Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and press evenly to spread. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for additional sweetness.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the bars are dry, golden on top, and set.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, lift the bars using the parchment paper overhang onto a cooling rack.
10. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour on the cooling rack to set fully.
11. Slice and Serve: Slice into 12 bars. Serve plain, or with mixed berries and a dollop of your favorite yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Notes

• For best texture, use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and softness.
• Choose creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on preference; natural peanut butter works well.
• Ensure chickpeas are well rinsed to remove excess sodium from the canning liquid.
• These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.

Keywords: healthy breakfast bars, banana breakfast bars, chickpea bars, peanut butter oats bars, homemade breakfast bars, nutritious breakfast