Sweet and delectable! These Gluten Free Strawberry Banana Oat Bars are the perfect breakfast or after school treat!

I don't know about where you're at, but public school started back up here last Thursday. Since Kayla attends public school, we've been trying to ease our way back into morning and afternoon routines, and right now it's too soon to say how it's actually going. Ha!

I have to say that's one thing I love about homeschooling Kelsie - we don't have to deal too much with that and her. Neither of my girls do mornings, but Kelsie really doesn't do mornings.

Thankfully Kayla has been working all summer, so getting up early wasn't completely brought on her so sudden. 

Since she's a senior, I'll admit that I don't get up with her before school. I may see her on her way out, and kiss her bye, but I don't set an alarm. Zack is up with her, and I feel that is sufficient enough. Anyway.

I do try and make sure that I have a tasty breakfast ready and waiting, so I like to have ingredients on hand for recipes like these Gluten Free Strawberry Oat Bars.  

These literally require 6 ingredients, that you probably already have on hand.  Plus, they are so simple to make.

Here's what you need to make these Gluten Free Strawberry Banana Oat Bars:

Of course you can use regular rolled oats, if you don't need to have gluten free. This recipe will totally work with both, as well as other flavors of preserves. Our favorite just so happen to be strawberry!

We really love Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats. They have this uncanny flavor and this probably has a lot to do with the way they roast them in a kiln, which gives them that wholesome oat flavor.  And a little fun fact that I didn't know about oats...

What's the difference between steel cut and rolled oats?

It's in the processing! Rolled oats are rolled flat to produce flakes, whereas steel cut oats are chopped into several pieces for a chewier texture. 

Anyway. So about these yummy Gluten Free Strawberry Banana Oat Bars, they can be eaten cold or warmed up. I make them on Sunday afternoon so that Kayla can enjoy them in the mornings throughout the week, or for a quick healthy after school snack.

How long will Gluten Free Strawberry Banana Oat Bars keep for?

I keep them in the fridge, but they will also keep at room temperature for 5 days.

They usually never last that long around here.

How do you warm up oat bars?

If you want to warm them up, pop them in the microwave on a microwave safe dish for 30 seconds.

This is a great gluten free fruit bar recipe!

How do you make these Gluten Free Strawberry Banana Oat Bars?

• Place one cup of Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats in a food processor or blender, and pulse until you get a flour. Pour the blended oats into a large bowl with the rolled oats and baking powder. 

• Stir to combine. Once combined, pour in the mashed bananas, vanilla, and maple syrup. Stir to combine.

• Once combined, divide the dough in half. Place one half of the dough in a foil lined 8X8 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

• Spread your preserves on top, leaving the edges without any preserves, like in the photo below. Last sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture as evenly as you can over the top. As you can see from my photo, it doesn't have to be perfect! 
• Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Here are some more of our gluten free favorites:

• Gluten Free Apple Muffins
• Gluten Free Baked Apple Cider Donuts
• Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Chips