Fig & Walnut Oat Bars {Sugar-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan}
Hey again everyone! I just shared a picture of these bars on my Instagram a few hours ago, so I couldn’t leave you hanging too long without the recipe. This morning I went in for a routine physical that I had to fast for, so I was really happy I remember to bring one of these bars and a big green smoothie to inhale as soon as I walked out of the doctor’s office! Fasting can definitely have its place in a healthy diet, but I am the type of person that never misses breakfast so it was definitely tough to go all morning without even a bite of fruit to eat!
Oat bars are one of the easiest snacks to make at home. There are so many different versions out there to fit dietary needs or to accommodate picky eaters. Many of the packaged bars have a lot of extra sugar or processed oils that I prefer not to eat on a regular basis. When I whip up a batch at home I don’t have to worry about sacrificing health for convenience. The only problem is these tend not to last too long before getting gobbled up. 😉
I generally love my dates when it comes to using dried fruit in recipes like this, but the figs were an excellent change of pace. They are sweet enough on their own that mixed with the ripe banana, you won’t even miss the sugar. The banana also provides a binder to help hold the oats together. Walnuts provide great essential fatty acids, fiber and a bit of protein to round out the nutritional profile. Down here in Georgia school will be back in session in just a few weeks, so these would make an excellent snack to stick in a lunch box. Just sub out the walnuts for seeds if your child’s classroom is nut-free.
Fig & Walnut Oat Bars
Makes 8 Bars
- 1 mashed ripe banana
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 6 large dried figs, chopped
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mash the banana in a large bowl, then stir in your milk and spices. Next stir in the chia seeds and oats until combined. Add a little bit more milk if it is too dry. Finally mix in the walnuts and figs until well incorporated.
Spread the mixture out into an 8-inch x 8-inch baking pan that has been lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper. Press down to make sure the batter is evenly distributed in the pan. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 20-30 minutes before slicing. Cut into 8 even bars for a larger snack, or make a few extra cuts for smaller bites or a kid-sized portion. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What are your favorite add-ins for a homemade oat bar?
