Mini Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bites

My kids just started back at school this week. We are on a modified year round schedule in our area of Arizona, meaning we have a bit shorter Summer break, but longer breaks throughout the year, Fall, Winter and Spring. I really prefer this because it is so hot here in the Summer, we are either in the pool or stuck inside and there really are only so many hours you can spend in the pool! This is the first year I’ll have both kids in full time school and I’m at a bit of a loss without my little sidekick. I’m often asked to share details of the things I share over on Instagram, so I thought I’d start adding more over here now that I have a little more free time.

The more I dive into what is actually in the food we are purchasing at the grocery store, the more I am inclined to make things from scratch at home. A few weeks ago, as I was planning out healthy snacks and lunches to make for my kids and I shared this recipe as I was trialing on my Instagram stories. I was inundated with requests for the recipe, though I wanted to try out a few more variations before sharing fully, I think I’ve finally come up with a perfect, healthy, nut-free school snack that is simple to make and my kids adore!

Like I said, this recipe is simple, quick to throw together and delicious! I love this recipe because while it is similar to banana muffins, it takes about half the time and I don’t have to dirty a bunch of dishes to make it. You probably already have everything you need to make them: bananas, organic oats, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, vanilla and mini chocolate chips (optional). I really try to sneak flax seeds and chia seeds into anything and everything my kids will eat, they can be picky eaters and both chia and flax seeds are loaded with nutrients, they are high in fiber, Omega -3 fat and flax seeds also provide a good amount of protein.

In addition to your ingredients, I highly recommend a nonstick mini muffin pan, mine is from pampered chef, but I also own and love pans from this company too! A cookie scoop to fill your muffin tins perfectly every time comes in handy too, but a regular spoon works just as well! These bites do not rise, so fill to the brim with batter.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Let me know if you make it and please share your favorite healthy snack ideas in the comments below!