Are you looking for a really yummy treat to give to your sweet for Valentine’s Day that is not only super delish, but also healthy?
These amazing blackberry banana oat bars have NO sugar and NO flour! How about that?
They are packed full of wholesome, nutrient rich fruits and superfood ingredients, while tricking your brain and tummy into thinking you are eating something decadent.
Give them a try! Heart healthy, hearty, and from the heart for your sweetheart!
Blackberry Banana Oat Bars
(adapted from recipe found here)
Ingredients:
Blackberry Chia Jam Filling:
2 cups fresh (or frozen) blackberries
2 1/2 Tbsp. honey (local if possible)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
Banana Oat Crust:
2 ripe bananas
2 cups oats
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
To make the jam fruit filling, add blackberries and honey to a saucepan and boil over medium heat for about 10 minutes until fruit is mostly broken down and has released a lot of juice. Add the other ingredients and boil for another 5 minutes until it thickens. Allow to cool.
Next, make the crust. Blend up 1 cup of the oats into a fine powder (I used the Ninja). Stir all ingredients together.
Spray an 8×8 baking stone or dish with Pam and then line with parchment paper. Spread 2/3 of the oat crust mixture on the bottom of the pan. Spread jam fruit filling mixture evenly over crust. Use the rest of the oats to sprinkle over the top.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes until the oats are golden brown.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Those look really good!!! 😄
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Anything with berries is good! (K)
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I couldn’t agree more! 🙂
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Bravo, Jodi! Wow, these look amazing, ‘Nista! And I was looking for something really yummy I could make for Hub for Valentines. He loves berries! And we just got some gluten free oats! Woot! How timely is this? Really looks like an amazing recipe. I could lick the screen lol. Happy Valentine’s Day, my sweet! 💛😎👍🏼😘👏🏻
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YAY!!! Something my GF buddy Laura can enjoy!!! Yippee Skippee! Let me know if you make and how you like it! 🙂 Happy ❤ weekend! PS I painted hubby a landscape painting for his gift – I've been trying so hard all week every night. Made about 8 different ones – always ruin in the end. I settled on framing the last one. Still don't LOVE it, but hope he does just because I made it….. Maybe I'll post Monday?? And then, maybe I can redo another next year to replace it with that will hopefully be WAY better! 🙂
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I’ll do it, Jodi! I’m thinking I may do a modified oatmeal raisin…..and keep this one for when I have fresh blackberries. I’m so glad you posted this though. It’s amazing how changing your food can affect how you feel, so I just love to see this side of the ‘nista. It’s nice that Nick is making smoothies; I just love this! If he is ever in the mood for a dessert smoothie that is mad healthy, take 1/2 an avocado, a dollop (or two) of peanut butter or almond butter, whatever you have on hand, a splash of vanilla, pinch of salt, a banana and a tsp of cocoa. Taste, it may need some honey, but as your palate adjusts to reduced sugar (I’m a lifelong sugar-holic), you really can reduce so you just need the banana….seriously, this is an amazing dessert! It’s like a wonderful milkshake. And, believe it or not, because it’s low carb, a great way to lose weight! If anyone tries it, would love to know what you think. Creamy, rich and delicious! ❤ Happy Valentine's Day to you and Marty and the gang!
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Laura – just reading this to Nick – sounds amazing. Do you add some ice too?
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You could, I don’t, but I do add either coconut milk or water also works. I used to process a whole bunch of avos at once, freeze them in halves, then when I wanted one of these, just grab one from the freezer. Ninja tears right through it. You could add ice and omit the liquid, sure!
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Thanks! from Nick too – read to him 🙂
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Give him big hugs. I hope he loves it! 🙂
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I’m glad you asked the question because it’s been awhile since I made one and I’d forgot the liquid (oops) lol!
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PS I love the Ninja. Love it! And seriously…..banana is what I use to sweeten everything and it tastes really wonderful. And so good for you! Yay, Jodi! 😀😊😝
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I got the Ninja for Nick for Christmas and he makes smoothies every morning. Sometimes I have one too. He puts all kinds of good stuff in it – fruits and kale and goji berries….. We’re loving it too! Bananas are a great sweetener! Always one in the smoothie too 🙂
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Looks yummy…though I’m tempted to add a little chocolate. 🙂
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Do it!!! 🙂 ❤
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Soooooo YUM!! These look scrumptious! Another added to my edible wish list! Hehe 😊❤️
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I think Philippe may allow these….. 🙂
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These look so beautiful, soft, chewy and full of yumminess! I am sure they are very delicious and a perfect Valentine treat! i love the berries in them and bananas, no way to go wrong with that!
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I thought they were amazing and my son loved too. Hubby still wants sweeter treats with sugar – haha! But they are beautiful and delish!
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I love the combination and the oats I can smell it yumm! Did Charlie sneak a bite?
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he might have got a few crumbs that got pushed on the floor for the counter….. 🙂
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hahaha
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Omg! What a scrumptious delight. This recipe is a keeper. Thank Jodi.
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You will love them Sharon! I know you try to do less sugar and healthier. Anxious to see what you think. 🙂
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My husband can’t eat berries with seeds, so I’ll try cherries, I’ll keep you posted. 😍
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sounds like that will be delish too!
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Oh, yum! Healthy *and* delicious! Who could ask for more? 🙂
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Right!?! 🙂
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I meant to look for chia seeds today at the store but forgot. Might have to make it without. 🙂
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I would absolutely love these – they look wonderful! Thanks Jodi. 🙂
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I think you really would too! 🙂
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Hearty, healthy and easy too!! Jodi – you’ve got a winner there – great way to use fruit in the winter!! 🙂
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and I adore blackberries too! 🙂
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oh so good…had me some blackberries on a panna cotta last night – yummy!! 🙂
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Drool
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Yum…looks good! I will be trying this one for sure.
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Hope you enjoy!
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Looks yummy Jodi! 💜💕💙 I like that they don’t have a lot of sugar too. 😍
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YUM YUM, these make my mouth water! Your husband is so lucky he married you!
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blackberries are so yummy 🙂
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I don’t know if I have ever had blackberries. I have had blueberries and strawberries and raspberries.
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Really???? You must must try!! 🙂
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I have never seen them sold here but then, I haven’t looked for them either. Next time I see them, I will buy a tub and try them. YUMM!!
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You had me at blackberries. Your lovely photo made my eyes widen followed by a slow “oooooooh”….looks delicious, definitely going down on my ‘to do’ list. Thank you for sharing.
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I know right Haunani!? Sometimes I hate to do anything with blackberries and raspberries in baking as they are so PERFECT in their original state! 🙂
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You’re sending me a care package filled with these…right? 🙂
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Wow those are just gorgeous! We have tons of wild blackberry bushes on our summer RV property, what a great use for them later this year. Thank you!
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Yup, gonna try this one, thanks Jodi.
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👍😉
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Those look just as good as the raspberry bars I love so much, but sound a whole lot healthier! I’m going to have to try them for sure!
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Hope you enjoy Ann! I ADORE Red Raspberries too!!!
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Making these for breakfast this week but using red raspberries. Can’t wait to try!
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Yay! Hope you love!
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Your photography here is stunning Jodi! Delicious looking recipe as always 🙂
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Thanks so much Lauren!
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