Soft and Chewy Chocolate-Banana Oat Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2-3 bananas)
• 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate or chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar (or use sweeteners of choice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed banana, melted chocolate, oil/butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Line a baking dish or use a non-stick baking sheet. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars or squares.

Nutritional Information: (Per Serving, assuming 8 bars)

• Calories: Approx. 300-350 per bar (depending on ingredients used)
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Protein: 6-8g

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and chewy texture with a chocolate and banana flavor combination.
• Ideal as a snack or for breakfast on the go.
• Can be customized with different toppings or variations (nuts, dried fruits, etc.).

User Comments:

1. "These bars are delicious! The chocolate and banana combination is a perfect match."
2. "Easy to make and a great way to use up ripe bananas."
3. "I added some walnuts and chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor."
4. "A great energy bar for an after-school snack or for a workout."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure bananas are ripe and mashed well for better results.
• For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips or cocoa powder.
• Adjust the sweetness level according to preference by adding more sugar or using sugar-free alternatives.