Toddler Friendly Banana Oat Bars {with Cranberry and Dates!}
Fun. Nutritious. Delicious. If you have a toddler who loves banana, you have got to try this recipe! My Toddler-friendly Banana Oat Bars are simple to make and packed with only 5 everyday ingredients - banana, peanut butter, rolled oats, dates, and cranberries. They are a quick and easy breakfast, lunchbox snack, or special afternoon treat (with the addition of a few chocolate chips!).
Ingredients
- 3 Medium Bananas (ripe)
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (natural)
- 2 1/4 cup Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned or Sprouted)
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Dates (pitted) roughly chopped
Optional
- 1/4 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Line a 9"x 9" baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add bananas and mash with a fork until soft and squishy.
- Add peanut butter. Mix together with the banana until everything is smooth.
- Add rolled oats, then cranberries, and pitted dates (note: CHOKING HAZARD *pits in dates* - parents please take extra care to ensure that there are no pits in any dates, prior to adding them to your batter!).
- Spread your mixture into your prepared baking pan. Press mixture into the pan and spread flat.
- (optional): Sprinkle surface of baking pan with chocolate chips .
- *STEP FOR PARENTS* Place baking pan in an oven preheated to 350F (325F convection bake). Bake for 22-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown and surface is firm.
- *STEP FOR PARENTS* Remove from the oven. Allow bars to cool in the baking pan for 10 minutes then transfer to fridge for at least 20 minutes to continue cooling.
- Cut, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Sofia’s Family Baking Tips:
- Slow down – Let your toddler feel the oats, smell the bananas, and hear the sound of mixing. Talk about how the ingredients look, smell, and feel—it’s a great way to slow down and be present.
- Mashing is fun! Give your little one a fork or a potato masher and let them get mashing! It's so much fun for little hands and a great way to practice coordination.
- Have ingredients ready in bowls – I love to lay out small bowls of cranberries, dates, and chocolate chips, and let kids sprinkle in their favourites. Giving choices makes baking more engaging!
- Make a ‘Baking Song’ – Singing a simple song while stirring or waiting for the oven timer can make the experience feel more special and rhythmic.
- Start a routine – Pair your freshly baked bars with a cup of warm milk or tea for a cozy, calming snack time.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!