These Chocolate Chip Banana Bites are a quick, wholesome snack packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats.
Naturally sweetened and easy to prepare, they offer a satisfying treat that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking or lunchboxes.
With oats for sustained energy, bananas for potassium, and dark chocolate for antioxidants, this vegan-friendly snack is both nutritious and irresistibly delicious.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bites
Equipment
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring Spoon Set
- 1 blender or food processor
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons liquid sweetener agave syrup or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- ½ ripe banana
- ¼ cup rolled oats unblended
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Instructions
- Prepare Oats for Blending: Measure out ¾ cup of rolled oats and place them into a clean blender or food processor. Pulse the oats until they break down into a coarse texture — not as fine as flour, but small enough to create a smooth, cohesive mixture. This process ensures the bites have structure while maintaining a pleasant chewiness.
- Add Flavor and Binding Ingredients: To the blended oats, add ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed. Pour in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, followed by 2 tablespoons of liquid sweetener, such as agave or maple syrup. Add 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. These ingredients will enhance flavor, bind the mixture together, and add nutritional benefits like fiber and healthy fats.
- Incorporate Banana for Moisture: Peel ½ a ripe banana and add it to the blender or food processor. Blend until all ingredients form a uniform, sticky dough-like mixture. The banana adds natural sweetness, moisture, and potassium, helping bind the bites without additional refined sugar.
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Transfer the blended mixture into a mixing bowl. Add ¼ cup of whole rolled oats for added texture, then fold in ¼ cup of chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Gently stir to ensure even distribution without overmixing, which could make the bites overly dense.
- Shape Into Bites: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, take portions of the mixture and roll them into uniform bite-sized balls, about the size of a walnut. This ensures consistent texture and makes them perfect for snacking.
- Chill for Firmness: Arrange the formed bites on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step is important for them to hold their shape and to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve your Chocolate Chip Banana Bites as a wholesome snack, dessert, or lunchbox treat. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the ripeness of your banana and personal preference, you may add a touch more sweetener or reduce it. Maple syrup or agave syrup are gentle natural options that keep this recipe vegan.
- Oats Texture: Blending oats partially gives texture, while leaving some whole adds chewiness. Adjust the ratio if you prefer a softer or crunchier bite.
- Banana Ripeness: A very ripe banana will make the bites sweeter and easier to bind, but less ripe bananas still work with slight adjustments in sweetener.
- Chocolate Options: Try vegan dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a healthier option that adds antioxidants and richer flavor.
- Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor variety.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Bites
The secret to making the perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Bites lies in the texture balance.
Grinding most of the oats into a coarse flour creates a smooth mixture, while keeping some whole oats adds chew and rustic texture.
Use a ripe banana for maximum natural sweetness and a creamier consistency.
Melt the coconut oil gently to maintain its subtle flavor and smooth integration.
For a touch of gourmet flair, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling — it enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Serving Suggestions For Best Enjoyment
These bites are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.
Serve them chilled as a wholesome afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
They make an ideal addition to a kids’ lunchbox or as a quick energy boost before or after workouts.
For a dessert twist, pair them with a dollop of plant-based yogurt or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
They also work well as a topping for smoothie bowls or oatmeal for extra texture and flavor.
Storage Tips For Freshness
To keep your bites fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months — simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or eat them chilled for a refreshing treat.
This storage flexibility makes them a perfect make-ahead snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these bites without a blender?
Yes! You can finely chop the oats with a rolling pin or food processor if available, but blending yields a smoother texture. Using whole oats only will result in a chewier bite.
2. Are these bites gluten-free?
They can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This ensures there’s no cross-contamination during processing.
3. Can I substitute flaxseed with something else?
Yes, chia seeds work well as a binding alternative and add extra omega-3 fatty acids. Ground flaxseed, however, gives a mild nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with banana.
4. How sweet are these bites?
They are naturally sweet from the ripe banana and the added sweetener. If your banana is very ripe, you might find them pleasantly sweet without adding much syrup. Adjust according to taste.
5. Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
Absolutely. Adding a scoop of plant-based protein powder can increase protein content and make these bites a perfect post-workout snack. Reduce oats slightly to keep the right texture if adding protein powder.
