Oaty Bars: (Easy) Baby Led Weaning Recipe
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I don’t know about you but oats are a staple in our household. I enjoy creating oat recipes as my son loves them and I love them. These oaty bars are delicious and so easy to make, win-win! I have tried to incorporate tasty flavours for your baby/toddler.
Rolled oats are a great option when introducing solid foods to your baby. Oats are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer a wide range of nutritional benefits. Rolled oats are packed with fibre, which aids in promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B vitamins, which are crucial for your baby's growth and development. Additionally, rolled oats provide a gentle and smooth texture, making them ideal for babies learning to chew and swallow. By incorporating rolled oats into your baby's diet, you are not only introducing a nutritious food but also encouraging healthy eating habits from an early age.
Rolled oats are great for introducing solid foods to your little one. These grains provide a good source of energy and essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice for early feeding. The rolled oats are soft and easy to chew, making them ideal for babies who are just starting to explore different textures. Not only do they offer a smooth consistency, but they also have a mild taste that can be easily enhanced with various fruits or vegetables. Baby led weaning rolled oats are not only nourishing but also help promote fine motor skills development as your baby learns to self-feed. With their fibre rich content and gentle texture, rolled oats make a wonderful addition to your baby's weaning journey.
Bananas are a fantastic addition to baby-led weaning foods due to their numerous benefits and suitability for tiny, developing palates. This soft and creamy fruit is not only easy for babies to hold but also gentle on their delicate gums. The natural sweetness of bananas appeals to their taste buds, making them an instant favourite. A great source of essential nutrients, bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. They aid in digestion, regulate bowel movements, and support overall growth and development. Whether served as mashed, sliced, or blended into purees, bananas provide a wholesome and nourishing option for babies embarking on their journey of self-feeding.
These are great as a snack for your baby and toddler, and if your little ones are anything like my toddler, snacks are life! I find myself reaching for ready-made snacks which are great but I have serious Mum guilt sometimes that I am not giving my son healthy snacks. I really wanted to create something that was healthy plus it had to be able to fill him up! I didn’t want to run the risk that he would be asking for another snack 5 minutes later, which always seems to happen.
Rolled oats, with their wholesome goodness, have long been a trusted ally in filling up little tummies. Packed with essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals, these tiny powerhouses provide a steady release of energy to sustain active little ones throughout their day. Whether prepared as a warm bowl of porridge with a sprinkle of cinnamon or added to homemade oaty bars like these, rolled oats offer a satisfying and nourishing treat that keeps hunger at bay. Their versatility also makes them perfect for creating delicious and nutritious snacks for on-the-go, ensuring that even the busiest of little tummies are properly fueled and satisfied.
Do Rolled Oats Go Off? Rolled oats have a relatively long shelf life and can last for quite some time if stored properly. However, like all food products, rolled oats do eventually go off. The key factor in determining their freshness is the presence of moisture. Once moisture finds its way into the oats, it can lead to mould growth. To extend their shelf life, it is crucial to store rolled oats in an airtight container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Additionally, keeping them away from strong odours and potential contaminants is equally important. Regularly checking for any signs of discolouration, odd smells, or unusual texture is essential. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a fresh and tasty bowl of rolled oats for an extended period.
These bars can be made really quickly and, let’s face it, time is of the essence when you have kids. All you need is one mixing bowl and a mixing spoon. Looking for a quick and delicious treat? Look no further than my oaty bar recipe! These delightful treats are made in a flash and are perfect for any time of the day. Soft, chewy oat bars that are packed with flavour and wholesome goodness. Enjoy them as a breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a guilt-free dessert. With these oaty bars, your little ones cravings will be satisfied!
Oaty bars are the perfect on-the-go breakfast option for babies. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars provide essential nutrients to support their growing bodies. Made with rolled oats, which are a great source of fibre and slow-release energy, oaty bars keep little ones satisfied throughout the morning. They can be easily customised with mashed fruits, to add natural sweetness and enhance the flavour. Additionally, oaty bars can be fortified with nutrient-rich ingredients like ground flaxseed or chia seeds for added omega-3 fatty acids. Whether you're heading out for a stroll or something else, oaty bars make a convenient and nutritious morning meal for baby.
These oaty bars are deliciously dairy-free as well, so a lovely dairy-free alternative to regular snacks! Made with wholesome ingredients such as fruit, grains, and plant-based alternatives, these snacks are both nutritious and delicious. They are free from dairy, ensuring that your baby can enjoy a satisfying snack without any digestive discomfort. Plus, these snacks are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, helping to support your baby's growth and development. Give your little one a dairy-free snack that is both healthy and satisfying!
Are Rolled Oats Gluten Free? Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free; however, cross-contamination during processing is common, making them unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. To ensure their gluten-free status, it is crucial to look for certified gluten-free rolled oats that are processed in dedicated facilities, ensuring no contact with wheat, barley, or rye. These certified gluten-free rolled oats offer a nutritious and versatile option for those following a gluten-free diet. They can be enjoyed in various ways, from a warm bowl of porridge to baked goods such as teething biscuits. With the right precautions, rolled oats can be a delicious addition to a gluten-free lifestyle.
I hope you enjoy making these, and your little ones enjoy eating them. I understand the importance of providing wholesome and delicious snacks that are not only satisfying but also nourishing. That's why I highly recommend making my delectable oaty bars. These bars are created to deliver a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Packed with rolled oats, seeds and fruit, my oaty bars offer a great source of fibre, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Whether you need a quick on-the-go snack for your little ones or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, my oaty bars are the perfect choice. Plus, by making them yourself, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor them to your preferences and dietary needs. So why settle for a supermarket option, when you can create your own batch of mouthwatering and nutritious oaty bars at home?
See my serving suggestion below!
Ingredient information
Ground oats - Oats are a great all rounder especially for growing babies, low in salt and high in fibre these are a staple in my house hold.
Banana - a banana on its own is a great snack for babies and adults, so combining this into an oat bar is a nutritional thumbs up from me.
Coconut oil - This is a great versatile oil. Great to use if you’re plant based and great to use in both savoury and sweet cooking.
Peanut butter - Nut butters are great for weaning babies. There are so many to choose from and I just love peanut butter. You can swap to almond butter or a cashew butter for this recipe. I always use nut butters that are 100% nuts with no added oils or salt. Check the labels before you buy.
Chia seeds - Chia seeds are packed full of nutritional value, such as omega 3, fibre, protein and antioxidants, these are a great ingredient to add if you are plant based as they are high in protein.
Serving suggestion
These bars can be enjoyed on their own, or for a more substantial snack they can be served with a simple apple puree and yogurt for dipping for your toddler or baby as the oaty bars are suitable from 6 months old. You could also serve with a mango pot, peach melba or with some baked apple slices.
Storage instructions
The bars can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Alternatively they can be frozen in freezer bags or in an airtight container in small batches, for up to 3 months. separating each layer with parchment paper so that they don’t stick together and you can access one bar at a time.
To defrost the oaty bars all you will need to do is leave in the fridge overnight to thaw in an airtight container.
Once defrosted the oaty bars will not be able to be re frozen.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
I have used a great baking sheet for the oaty bars, a brilliant mixing bowl too! Large airtight containers for storage and a nutri bullet to make rolled oats into an oat flour!
Recipe | Oaty Bars
Makes 8 bars
2 cups (200g) ground oats
1 mashed banana
1 teaspoon coconut oil
2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
2 teaspoons chia seeds
Instructions
Pre heat oven to 180 C or 350 F. Prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mash the banana in the bowl, you will need a medium sized mixing bowl.
Add in all the other ingredients to the bowl and mix together.
I find it easier to finish the mixing by using my hands to form a ball.
On a flat surface, flatten using your hands (no need to dust the surface with flour).
Shape and flatten the oaty dough to a circular shape or any shape you like using your hands, you can use a rolling pin for speed, but your hands will also do the job.
Once flattened, it’s best that the thickness is approx a centimetre and that it is cut to 3-4 inch fingers.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
Leave to cool and enjoy.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
If there is a nut allergy in your household you can substitute the coconut oil for vegetable oil or avocado oil.
Additionally, if there is a gluten intolerance, you can use gluten free oats instead of regular oats.
If you wanted a rough texture you do not have to blitz the oats to make oat flour. You will find that the dough will bind easier if the oats are blitzed, and you may need an extra teaspoon of coconut oil.
You can add in other seed butters and even add in some dried fruit for example, cherries apricots or sultanas. (dried fruit from 12 months)
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