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Chocolate and Strawberry Oat Squares

These chocolate and strawberry oat squares are a simple homemade snack that's naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and fresh strawberries. Made without added sugar, oil, dairy or eggs, they're a wholesome alternative to many shop-bought cereal or energy bars, and they can easily be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. The oats provide fibre to help keep you feeling satisfied, while the bananas add natural sweetness and the strawberries bring freshness and moisture. The chocolate chips make these squares feel like a treat, making them just as suitable for breakfast as they are for an afternoon snack or packed lunch. They're quick to prepare in either the oven or the air fryer and keep well for a few days, making them ideal for batch baking.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Cuisine: British
Calories: 1234
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3 Tbsp ground almonds optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup vegan chocolate chips roughly chopped if large
  • ½ cup strawberries finely chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven or air fryer to 180°C. Line a small square baking tin with baking parchment or prepare a silicone mould with square sections.
  2. Mash the bananas with half of the strawberries until mostly smooth.
  3. Stir in the oats, ground almonds (if using) and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the remaining chopped strawberries.
  5. Leave the mixture to rest for 5–10 minutes so the oats can absorb some of the moisture.
  6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin or mould and spread it out evenly.
  7. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and set.
  8. Alternatively, bake in the air fryer for 15–18 minutes, until firm and lightly coloured.
  9. Leave to cool in the tin or mould before transferring to a wire rack.
  10. Once completely cool, cut into squares and serve.