Phoebe is a bit past the ‘weaning stage‘ but I got stuck in a rut buying food and snacks in the baby aisle which is often far more expensive than it should be. Items like oat bars are made of oatmeal, one of the cheapest food item you can get, yet shop bought soft oat bars are quite pricey for what they are.
I’m also never quite sure what to buy these days as her taste changes so quickly! One day she loves something, the next day she pushes it away. Stocking up on something is no longer an option.
It also feels that there is never enough of healthy snacks in our house. I don’t know whether this is my fault, but Phoebe is a grazer! She is skinny and tall and will never finish any meal, but oh my, she can eat! This girl can eat all day long, continuously snacking on little bits and bobs. Feefee got into a habit of asking for food all day long which started driving me crazy. She would shout the word ‘papat’ which means eat in a baby language in czech (the only czech word she has got!) and sometimes she still has her mouth full when she says it! I think, I am to blame to have created this habit (I’m pretty much the same) so I’ve decided that it is time to go back to three meals a day and two snacks in between in a hope that she will actually finish a proper meal when it is time for it.
Having said all of this, I still need something healthy but filling to give her at snack time. I’ve tried different oat bars and flapjacks recipes and I really like this one as it has no refined sugar, no dairy and it is a perfect base if you want to add other things in it such as berries, dried fruit, nuts or anything else.
I love the dates/banana mash as it is so creamy and sweet! I think I will use it in other desserts or even as a quick pudding on its own. This time I haven’t added anything else in these oat bars, but next time I might add a handful of frozen raspberries to mix it up.
So here it is, another super easy, cheap snack idea for you to try. Phoebe loved them which is great, my husband said it needs more sugar (grrrr…) and I actually enjoyed some too as my morning snack today.
On reflection, these would make such a great baby led weaning food!
Hope you and your little one enjoys them too!

Prep Time | 10 mins |
Cook Time | 25 mins |
Servings |
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- 200 grams Oats GF if needed
- 100 grams Ripe Banana 1 Large banana
- 100 grams pitted dates
- 100 ml Boiling Water
- 50 ml Oil Coconut or Rape Seed
Ingredients
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- Pour boiling water over the dates and leave soaking for a few minutes. Blend together with the banana until smooth.
- Mix in the other ingredients.
- Spray small baking tray with some oil.
- Put the mixture in a baking tray, press with a spoon or a spatula to make it flat and even.
- Bake at 180 degrees for 20-25 mins.