This is the basic recipe for Oaty Bars which can be added to with any dried fruits and other ingredients you fancy. Baby Awesome is particularly fond of prunes, dates, figs, apricots, sultanas and dried pineapple. If using Apricots, look for un-sulphured ones when giving to a toddler as sulphur (used to prevent the apricots from darkening) is thought to exacerbate asthmatic conditions in children.
Pulse/blend oats to a coarse flour consistency if required* (recommended).
Finely chop any fruits/nuts/other inclusions which you wish to add to bars.
Mash or blend bananas until completely smooth.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix to form a medium-firm, slight;y sticky ball of dough.
Place dough on a silicone liner/baking parchment on top of a baking sheet and roll into a 20x20cm square, or press into shape using hands.
Using a sharp knife, cut square in half, then cut each dough half into 8-10 fingers, approximately 1.5cm wide.
Bake at 180℃/350F for 18-20 minutes. Remove from baking sheet and leave to cool on a wire cooling rack.
*Porridge oats (non-instant) can be used whole for a crumblier bar, but pulsing the oats in a mini food processor or blender until they resemble a coarse flour will produce a less crumbly (and less messy) bar that cuts easier and holds together very well.