Cherry & Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dark cherries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon

Method

1. 01

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. 02

   Pit and halve 1 cup of fresh or frozen dark cherries. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

3. 03

   In a large bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 2 mashed ripe bananas, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

4. 04

   Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Spread the cherries evenly over the base layer. Press the remaining oat mixture on top.

5. 05

   Bake for 22–25 minutes until firm and golden. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into finger-sized bars.

How to offer

Cut into soft strips and check for any remaining cherry pieces — ensure they are fully soft and mashed into the bar. Offer as a finger food for babies 6 months and up.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition note

Contains protein, B1 and B5 vitamins, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese. A fantastic source of soluble fibers as well. Oats must be administered with water in the form of oatmeal or water can be given after consuming an oat-based recipe in order to have a stool-loosening effect. In addition to being rich in nutritious carbs, oatmeal and oats also include beta-glucan, a unique type of fiber that is particularly good for the gut and immune system. With smaller levels of other minerals, such as folate, choline, iron, magnesium, and selenium, to name a few, they are a wonderful source of zinc, which promotes a baby's immune system, sense of taste, and sense of smell.

Nutrition information is general guidance, not medical advice. Read our nutrition disclaimer