Blueberry Banana Energy Bars Recipe With a Secret Ingredient for Added Protein Breakfast Brunch Snacks Desserts Gluten-free

What's for breakfast? It's an important question because what you eat (or don't eat) for breakfast can set the tone for your entire day. That's why these blueberry banana energy bars with a secret ingredient for added protein are the perfect way to jumpstart the day.

Not only are these energy bites filled with protein, whole grain oats, blueberries and bananas – one of the very best foods for energy – but they're also incredibly easy to make (and go great with a cup of coffee or glass of orange juice). The secret ingredient is protein-rich peanut butter (check out the health benefits of peanut butter), but you also get the health benefits of oats, the health benefits of bananas and the health benefits of blueberries, among others. 

Here's the list of wholesome ingredients you need to make these delicious and nutritious energy bars: rolled oats, bananas, milk, brown sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, peanut butter, salt and fresh blueberries. The chopped walnuts are optional but highly recommended for additional flavor and nutrition. You simply combine the gluten-free ingredients then bake them up until cooked through and golden.

Serve these amazing blueberry banana bars for breakfast or for brunch, or as an energizing snack anytime of day. They even make a more nutritious dessert, too!

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 15

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats (I used gluten-free oats)
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup milk or nut milk
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter or other nut butter
• dash of salt
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients (including walnuts, if using) except blueberries. Stir until well combined. You can use your milk of choice for this recipe and, if you don't like peanut butter, you also can use your nut butter of choice. Keep in mind that oats are naturally gluten-free, but to be sure, you should use gluten-free oats.
2. Fold in the blueberries.
3. Pour the batter into a 13x9-inch baking pan or a glass baking dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray.
4. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for about 35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
5. Store leftover bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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