Baking for the Little Ones: Oat-Banana Bars without Added Sugar
Ingredients (for about 20 pieces, depending on size):
- 30g (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 25g (1/4 cup) ground hazelnuts
- 200g (2 cups) rolled oats
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 1 tbsp crushed flaxseeds
- 3 ripe bananas
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) top and bottom heat. Line a rectangular baking pan (7.5 × 5 in / 19 × 13 cm) with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, ground hazelnuts, and rolled oats.
- In a small bowl, mix the flaxseed meal and crushed flaxseeds with a little warm water (about 120°F / 50°C) and let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
- Peel the bananas and mash them into a fine puree using a fork or potato masher.
- Add the mashed bananas and the soaked flaxseed mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to form a uniform dough. If the dough is too stiff, add 1-2 tablespoons of water.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the mixture is set but still slightly soft.
- Let it cool completely in the pan, then cut into bars or pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Tips:
Suitable for toddlers from 1 year: The bars are soft, easy to chew, and free from added sugar. Perfect as a healthy snack or dessert.
Reduce or omit cocoa: For babies under 1 year, the cocoa can be left out to make the flavor milder.
Sources:
Altomara, D. (2025, Januar 12). Health Benefits of Cocoa Powder. WebMD. Source
Cocoa powder is rich in flavanols and antioxidants, which help improve blood flow and slightly lower blood pressure. A quarter cup (about 30g) of unsweetened cocoa powder provides around 49 calories, 12g carbohydrates, 7g fiber, 4g protein, and 3g fat, as well as micronutrients such as 26mg magnesium, 135mg potassium, and 1mg iron per tablespoon. Products with a cocoa content of 60–70% or higher are considered especially beneficial for heart health. However, the study results are limited, and due to the presence of caffeine and theobromine, cocoa may cause restlessness or sleep problems in sensitive individuals. (Altomara, 2025)