Monkey Bars – A Kid-Friendly, Nut-Free School Snack
September 27, 2022
Serves: 14 Bars
About this Recipe
Excite your kids with a fun twist on their favorite “Monkey Drink”! These Monkey Bars are a great option for school snacks, not only because they’re nut-, soy-, and dairy-free, but because they’re delicious and nutritious too! Created Liz Shaw MS, RDN, CPT.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup white whole wheat flour*
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium banana
- 8 ounces Orgain Kids Organic Plant Protein Nutritional Shake in Vanilla**
- ¼ cup raw cane sugar
- ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons unrefined coconut oil***
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup chopped chocolate chunks, divided****
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Add the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a high-powered blender or food processor. Process until flour-like consistency is achieved, usually about 1 minute.
- Pour the flour mixture into a large bowl, then add the banana, Orgain Kids Organic Plant Protein Nutritional Shake, cane sugar, ¼ cup coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the blender or food processor. Process until uniformly combined, or about 30 seconds (scraping down the sides with a spatula if needed.)
- Mix the banana mixture into the bowl with the flour until combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks.
- Spray a rectangular baking dish (11 x 7 x 2-inch) with cooking spray, then pour the batter evenly inside the pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until outer edges are golden and wooden pick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Microwave remaining chocolate chunks with 1 teaspoon of remaining coconut oil in a microwave safe dish in 15-second intervals until melted, mixing every 15-seconds to prevent burning the chocolate.
- Evenly spread melted chocolate over the top of the bars, then sprinkle with coconut flakes. Place in the freezer to let chocolate harden for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Remove, then slice bars. To make 14 bars, insert knife horizontally down the center, then slice vertically.
Storage: For best quality, store Monkey Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 7 to 10 days. Alternatively, freeze in an airtight container and use within 3 months.
Recipe Notes:
*You can omit the flour and use 2 1/3 cups of oats to keep the bar gluten-free. Please note this will result in a denser bar, but still tastes delicious!
**Swap the Orgain Kids Organic Plant Protein Nutritional for 8 ounces of the Orgain Nutritional Shake (grass fed or plant based depending on dietary preference) in Vanilla. Use the remaining 3 ounces in your morning smoothie!
***Unrefined coconut oil can be swapped for rice bran oil or preferred baking oil.
****Use a dairy- and soy-free chocolate to keep the recipe allergen safe for these allergens.