There are two things that are important to parents of small children. Fast and easy snacks and a readily available bathroom. We’ve mostly gotten past the need to have a bathroom within 20 seconds of us at all times but the need for snacks is one that may never go away. Seriously? Who doesn’t love having snacks waiting in the freezer or cupboard for you whenever you may need them?
While these don’t travel well, they are super fast and I find they’re a good size for my 3 year old. Not to mention they are so adaptable. Whatever sounds good to you… Try it! I’m betting they’ll turn out amazing.
They are rather hard when they first come out of the freezer, but after a few minutes they’ve warmed up enough that they’re easy to eat. They’re especially awesome on a hot summer day 
Adapted from Oh She Glows
Makes 12
- 2 large overripe bananas
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup crunchy cereal
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup(or any other sweetener you use)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or other nut or seed butter
- 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries or other fruit
- 2 – 4 tsp cocoa powder
Line a muffin pan with paper liners, or use a silicone muffin pan for easy removal. Mash the bananas. Add wet ingredients and cocoa powder and mix well. Add all other ingredients, mix well then press into prepared muffin tin. Freeze at least 60 minutes before serving.
Angela from Oh She Glows recommends eating them while they’re still soft, but we like keeping them in the freezer for easy snacks. We also use a homemade cereal that stays crunchy but use whatever you have. I’ve even used toasted buckwheat before and it works really well and stays crunchy.
If you like these, be sure to check out these Strawberry Chocolate Chip Freezer Granola Bars!
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Yum! These look so goooood! The pics remind me of chocolate crackles that all time Aussie kids party favourite but these look a hundred times tastier and healthier, must try them soon.
I had to look those up, I’ve never had them
They do look similar, but these are waaay healthier 
these look great and i love that it only uses ingredients i already have! thanks for the recipe!
I don’t like bananas, any fruit I can use as a substitute?
I find that two bananas are a little much. I would suggest using one and adding a little honey or more syrup or chocolate to boost the flavour.
Is there anything I can substitute for the bananas as I am allergic to them.
I’m really not sure of what you could use instead. You could try applesauce but they wont be as creamy and you may need to add more sweetener. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Let me know if you find something that will work!
I use canned pack pumpkin or cooked smashed butternut squash as a substitute for bananas in a couple recipes – that might do the trick for you. Mmm… pumpkin with golden raisins and pepitas. I’m going to have to try that!
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I was wondering what brand of “Crunchy” cereal you refer to.
Well, I’ve used a crispy rice cereal but it loses it’s crispiness. I’d recommend something with a crunch like Grape Nuts if you want it to be crunchy after being mixed into the bars and frozen.
Thanks, I’ll try that!
When you say they don’t travel well, since they are frozen, do you think they would survive in a lunchbox with icepacks for any amount of time?
They might survive for a short amount of time. We really don’t enjoy them thawed so I’ve never tried. If you try it, let me know!
what about using steelcut oats? do you think they would work or do you always need to cook them before eating them. I would think they’d be super crunchy if that’s a cooking “go ahead”
I don’t think steel cut oats would work very well. They might be a little too hard. You should use something that you enjoy eating as-is.
tried steel cut and we like them
How long does these keep fresh in the fridge?
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how many calories would each one be and how much sugar.
I made these yesterday and, needless to say, they are already gone. They are sooo good. I also used just one banana and left out the cocoa powder. They were delish!!
Steel cut oats have a chewier texture. Do you use unsweetened cocoa powder?
Yes, I use unsweetened cocoa powder.
So glad that I found this recipe! I made my second batch last night and a double batch at that
Delicious!
These sound great! I made some similar to these that my kids LOVED!! instead of banana I used 1/4 cup homemade applesauce and instead of cocoa powder I used chocolate whey powder. Honey instead of syrup too….was awesome!
Do you use quick cooking oats? Can’t wait to try these!
Another option for the “crunchy” cereal is Perky’s Crunchy Flax (with or without Chia added). I’ve used that in this type of recipe before and it works nicely – and it’s a healthy boost too! The little balls are about the same size as Grape Nuts, but I’m pretty sure the calorie difference is substantially less……as I remember that Grape Nuts were always really high in calories & I don’t think Perky’s is.
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