I’m not sure where the recipe originated for these squares, but I came across it on Facebook. I shared it on my facebook page and then gave it a try for myself with a few minor changes, which I’ll share with you here. They were a big hit, especially with Ayla.

They make such a great finger-food for babies and toddlers, because they’re easy to hold onto, they’re not super messy, and there’s no added sugar.

The rest of us liked them, too. The boys have been packing them in their lunches for school, and I like them as a healthy sweet snack.

They’re not overly sweet, but as long as you use very ripe bananas and add raisins, I found they were sweet enough to satisfy my craving. The cinnamon and vanilla compliments the subtle sweetness nicely.

…And even cats like them!

Our kitten, Hunter, was very curious about the squares while I was trying to photograph them. He kept photo-bombing my pictures. He also liked to sit under Ayla’s high chair and try to steal a few pieces that she dropped. That’s his favourite place to be lately. If he’s not under her chair, he’s on the dining room table.

And yes, that is Candy Crush on my tablet in the background. I have an addiction, okay? But at least I’m eating healthy.

Healthy Banana Oat Squares

Ingredients:
 
3 mashed ripe bananas
1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 cup quick oats
1 cup large flake oats
2 tbsp ground flax seed
1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Grease an 8 x 8″ baking dish
• In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together.
• Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread it out with a spatula until even.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edge begin to brown.
• Let cool and then cut into squares. .

Makes 16 squares.