Bananas that have turned a bit too ripe might not look appealing, but they are packed with sweetness and flavor that can be transformed into a delightful treat. Many people have discovered the secret of using old bananas to create a healthy, sugar-free bomb of a recipe! Here’s how you can turn those overripe bananas into a delicious and nutritious snack.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A handful of nuts or seeds (optional)
- A handful of dried fruit or dark chocolate chips (optional)
How to Make Banana Oat Cookies:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash the Bananas: Peel the ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash them until they are smooth and creamy. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be!
- Add Oats and Flavorings: Add the rolled oats to the mashed bananas. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. These ingredients enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of the bananas without adding any sugar.
- Mix in Optional Ingredients: If you like, you can add a handful of nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch, or some dried fruit or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious banana oat cookies as a healthy snack or breakfast treat!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, making them the perfect sugar substitute in baked goods.
- Nutrient-Rich: Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and fiber, while oats provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber.
- Versatile and Easy: This recipe is quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite add-ins.
Tips for Success:
- Choose Very Ripe Bananas: The more overripe the bananas, the better, as they provide more natural sweetness.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, or spices like nutmeg for variety.
Don’t throw away those old bananas! With this simple and delicious recipe, you can turn them into a nutritious, sugar-free treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy the amazing flavor and health benefits of these easy-to-make banana oat cookies!
