Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bites

You guys, I just discovered oat flour. This changes everything and opens all kinds of new doors, especially because it is way too easy to make. I really love this new to me discovery because I buy oatmeal in bulk at Costco, and if you follow me on Instagram, you know my obsession with oatmeal is a bit over the top. Seriously, throw the oatmeal in your blender, or food processor, and blend until the oats are a powder like consistency, and violá-oat flour you can use in place of white flour for a gluten free, lower calorie alternative.

I'm rambling on about oat flour because I found the most perfect recipe to try it out on. These chocolate chip banana oat bites are my new favorite food obsession. It has kicked my ABC smoothie off the top spot. Not only are these bites delicious, each square is under 200 calories, low in fat, and gluten free. The added bananas give these bites a banana bread like taste and texture without all the added fat and sugar that comes along with grandmas banana bread.

Monique over at Ambitious Kitchen is on point with every recipe she turns out. I have yet to try a recipe from her blog that I was disappointed with. These banana oat bars are no exception. I made a few changes and am reporting back to you.  You shouldn't be surprised that one of the adaptations I made was adding peanut butter.

 • Serving Size: 1  • 122 Calories • 3.2g of fat • 1.3g saturated fat • 1.6g cholesterol • 103mg sodium • 144mg potassium • 22g carbs • 2.3g fiber • 12g sugar • 2.5g protein •

 

Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bites

(Adapted from Ambitious Kitchen) 

Makes 16 squares

2 1/4 cup oats

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 medium ripe bananas

1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 cup chocolate chips

For the topping:

2 tablespoons chocolate chips

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Prepare an 8x8 baking dish by spraying with nonstick cooking spray. 
• Prepare oat flour: pour oats into a blender or food processor, and blend until oats resemble a powder. You may need to stop and stir up the oats to ensure all oats have been well blended.
• Combine oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. 
• In a separate bowl, or blender, mix together bananas, apple sauce, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and honey. Add to oat flour mixture until everything is combined.
• Gently fold in your chocolate chips to the mixture and spread your mixture evenly over your prepared baking dish.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until done. Once done, let cool on a wire rack. 
• In a small dish, following the instructions on your chocolate chip packaging, heat up chocolate chips and drizzle over the top of the bars. Place peanut butter in a separate dish and microwave for 20 seconds, stir and another 10 seconds. Drizzle over the top of your bars. 

After I cut these up, I stored half of them in the freezer and half of them in my fridge. These are good straight out of the fridge, or warmed up with your soy latte as a morning snack. Yes, I eat a snack between breakfast and lunch. Or if you aren't into the whole big breakfast deal like I am, or barely have time to get ready in the morning, these bites of deliciousness would be perfect for you as you're running out the door in the morning.

Enjoy-whenever you decide is best to eat them!