Berry & Banana Flapjacks - Dairy Free.

Ingredients:

- 200g rolled oats
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 100g berries (blueberries, strawberries or raspberries work well), chopped if large
- 50g nut butter (choose a baby-safe, unsweetened variety)
- 50g creamed coconut, melted or coconut milk.
- A splash of water, if needed

Optional extras - Handful of chopped nuts or seeds or both. 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (fan-assisted 160°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats and chopped berries. Gently mix to distribute the berries evenly through the oats.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed banana, nut butter, and melted creamed coconut. Stir until you achieve a smooth and consistent mixture. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water to reach a spreadable consistency.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the oats and berries. Mix well, ensuring all the oats are coated and the berries are evenly distributed.

5. Press into Tray: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking tray. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer, about 1.5cm thick.

6. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The flapjacks should be firm but not hard.

7. Cool and Slice: Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cut into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your baby to handle.

8. Serve or Store: Serve a piece to your baby as a nutritious snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. These flapjacks can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutritional Benefits.

These berry and banana flapjacks recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits, making them a balanced snack for the whole family. PLUS they are dairy free making them a good snack for babies with Cow's Milk Allergy or those who are vegan.

Let's delve into the nutritional advantages of the key ingredients used in this recipe, highlighting how they contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

Oats

Oats are a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy, which is essential for keeping your baby active and happy throughout the day. They are also rich in dietary fibre, aiding in healthy digestion and preventing constipation, a common concern in babies. Additionally, oats contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, supporting overall growth and development.

Bananas

Bananas are a wonderful addition to your baby's diet, offering a natural sweetness that babies love, along with a host of nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of potassium, which is crucial for heart health and maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. Bananas also provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fibre, supporting the immune system, brain health, and digestive health, respectively.

Berries

Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are nutritional powerhouses, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The antioxidants in berries, including vitamin C and vitamin E, help protect your baby's cells from damage and support the immune system. Berries are also a good source of dietary fibre, promoting healthy digestion. The vibrant colours of berries not only make the flapjacks visually appealing to little ones but also indicate the presence of various phytonutrients, beneficial for overall health.

Nut Butter

Nut butter provides a good source of healthy fats, essential for brain development in babies. It also offers protein, contributing to the growth and repair of tissues. When selecting nut butter, opt for an unsweetened, salt-free variety to ensure it's baby-friendly. The healthy fats in nut butter can also aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from other ingredients in the flapjacks.

Creamed Coconut

Creamed coconut adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the flapjacks, making them more palatable for babies. It's a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that's easily digested and can be used for immediate energy. Creamed coconut also provides some dietary fibre and minerals, such as iron and potassium, contributing to a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Incorporating these nutrient-dense ingredients into your baby's diet through delicious recipes like the berry and banana flapjacks not only supports their physical development but also introduces them to a variety of flavours and textures, fostering healthy eating habits from a young age.

For more guidance on weaning your baby onto a diary free diet have a look at my Dairy Free Masterclass here OR have a look at my Cow's Milk Allergy Essentials Club here