Chocolate Chip Banana Bites
A quick and wholesome no-bake snack, Chocolate Chip Banana Bites combine the sweetness of ripe banana with wholesome oats, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. Perfect for meal prep, kid-friendly lunches, or anytime cravings, they are easy to make, nutritious, and delightfully satisfying.
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.
