Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Banana Oat Dessert proves that you can create an incredibly satisfying treat using just a few wholesome ingredients. With ripe bananas for natural sweetness, oats for hearty texture, and cocoa for rich chocolate flavor, this dessert feels indulgent while staying nourishing. I love this recipe because it requires no refined sugar, no complicated steps, and no special equipment. It comes together quickly and works just as well as a cozy dessert, a healthy snack, or even a breakfast option. The texture is soft and fudgy, almost brownie-like, while still feeling light and comforting. This is the kind of recipe you make when you want something sweet but also want to feel good about what you are eating. It is proof that simple ingredients can create truly amazing results.
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Chocolate Banana Oat Dessert – Simple, Healthy, and Naturally Sweet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Diet: Vegan
Description
An amazingly simple and healthy dessert made with oats, cocoa, and ripe bananas—naturally sweet, fudgy, and perfect for a guilt-free chocolate fix.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond or oat)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
- Stir in maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Add oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; mix until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Spread mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until set in the center.
- Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy warm or chilled.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Can be blended for a smoother, brownie-like texture.
- Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, moisture, and structure to the dessert.
Rolled oats create a hearty base and add fiber and texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor.
Milk adds moisture and helps bind the mixture.
Baking powder helps the dessert rise slightly and stay tender.
Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate and banana flavors.
Salt balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
Optional dark chocolate chips add extra richness.
Optional chopped nuts add crunch and contrast.
Directions
Preheat the oven and lightly grease a small baking dish or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined and evenly mixed. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake until the center is set and the top looks slightly firm but still moist.
Allow the dessert to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, baking time is about 25 minutes, and cooling time is 10 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold as a snack.
Variations and Customizations
This banana cocoa oat dessert is easy to adapt. For a creamier texture, blend the oats into oat flour before mixing. I tested this version and found it produced a smoother, more brownie-like result.
You can add cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. For extra protein, stir in Greek yogurt or a scoop of chocolate protein powder, adjusting the milk slightly.
If you prefer a sweeter dessert, drizzle honey or maple syrup on top after baking rather than adding sugar to the batter. These variations allow you to customize the dessert while keeping it wholesome and simple.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein (g) | 5 |
| Carbs (g) | 30 |
| Fat (g) | 4 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 1 |
| Fiber (g) | 5 |
| Sugar (g) | 10 |
| Sodium (mg) | 120 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use very ripe bananas
Riper bananas create better sweetness and texture.
Do not overbake
Overbaking can dry out the dessert.
Let it rest
Cooling slightly improves structure and flavor.
Serve creatively
Top with yogurt, nut butter, or fresh fruit.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Can I blend the batter?
Yes, blending creates a smoother, cake-like texture.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I eat this for breakfast?
Absolutely, it works well as a healthy breakfast option.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze slices for up to two months.
What does it taste like?
It tastes like a soft, chocolatey banana brownie.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Banana Oat Dessert is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Naturally sweet, rich in flavor, and easy to prepare, it is a recipe you can enjoy anytime you want a healthier treat without sacrificing comfort or taste.
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