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Kid-Friendly Mango Snack Bars: Perfect For Lunchboxes - Simple, Chewy, and Naturally Sweet

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (or oat flour for nut-free)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional but great for texture)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup finely chopped dried mango or 3/4 cup mango puree (see note below)
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, or coconut oil
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (or 1 flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, rested 5 minutes)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber)
  • 2–4 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or yogurt chips (optional, for fun)

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flour, shredded coconut, cinnamon, salt, and chia or flax (if using). Stir well.
  3. Prep the mango: If using dried mango, chop it very small so it distributes evenly. If using puree, make sure it’s thick and not watery.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk honey or maple, melted butter or oil, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Bring it together: Pour wet ingredients over the dry. Add the chopped mango or mango puree. Stir until everything is evenly moistened. Fold in chips if using.
  6. Press and level: Transfer the mixture to the lined pan. Press down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create a tight, even layer. This helps the bars hold together.
  7. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center feels set to the touch.
  8. Cool completely: Let the pan cool on a rack for at least 30–45 minutes. Lift out using the parchment and slice into 12–16 bars.
  9. Adjust texture (optional): For chewier bars, underbake by a minute or two. For firmer bars, add 2–3 more minutes, watching the edges.