Fruit, Oat & Chia Mini Chews
2013-03-12
- Yield : 60 mini squares
- Prep Time : 15m
- Cook Time : 45m
- Ready In : 60m
Fruit, Oat & Chia Mini Chews
These fruit, oat and chia mini chews could be considered a stepping stone up to the famous chew me oat fruit bars which George absolutely loves. George loves the chew me oat bars so much he shovels far too much of them into his mouth at once resulting in all the dried fruit spat back out. I think its a phase as he is doing it with other foods too – cheese, pineapple, grapes…. So I’ve modified them slightly and added in more banana, apple, some pear and chia seeds and left out the dried fruit. I also sliced them into much smaller squares to hold him back from shovelling too much into his mouth at once! They are a great little snack option or addition to breakfast.
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Tip: These are best stored in batches in the fridge or the freezer.
Nutrition Note: Chia seeds are the highest plant source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Try them sprinkled on yoghurt, breakfast cereals, vegetables or salads or added to smoothies, muffins, mueslis.
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup wholemeal flour
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 apple, peeled and grated
- 1/2 pear, peeled and grated
- 1 small overripe banana, mashed
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 1/4 cup milk
Method
Step 1
Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius and grease and line a 26 x 18cm baking tray. -
Step 2
In a large bowl combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, chia seeds, grated apple and pear. In a separate bowl mix together the banana, egg and milk. -
Step 3
Add the banana mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. -
Step 4
Pour mixture into prepared baking tray and bake for 45 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack then slice into small squares approximately 1.5 x 1.5 cm. -
Recipe Comments
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Average Member Rating
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posted by Tiffany W on March 26, 2013
These sound yummy. What is wholemeal flour? I am Canadian so not sure if it’s the same as whole wheat flour or if you can substitute for coconut or almond flour.
posted by Jess on March 26, 2013
Hi Tiffany, Yes I imagine wholemeal flour is the same as wholewheat flour. You could try coconut or almond flour although you may find it results in a more “dense” texture. Please let us know how you go if try an alternative flour. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Nat on June 2, 2021
Love this recipe! Both kids love it and I know they are getting a good carb and fruit hit!
posted by Sophia on March 28, 2013
I whipped these up this afternoon while my 15 month old was underfoot, they were super easy! Mine didn’t quite turn out like yours though 🙁 I used a lamington tray which is bigger so my mini chews are quite flat. My son ate 2 squares this afternoon, so I think he liked them! I personally would prefer them a wee tad sweeter!
posted by Rebecca on April 23, 2013
I’ve made these many times now – we have to have a constant supply to keep miss 12mths happy. I use a whole banana, which makes them sweeter. I also add different things, like dried fruit or ground nuts, to make them a little bit different every time.
posted by Jess on April 23, 2013
Hi Rebecca, Thank you, your variations to the recipe sound yummy especially the ground nuts. I’ll have to give it a try next time I make them for George. J x
posted by Sarah on May 23, 2013
What a fantastic recipe- I have fussy little 17 month old twins and I have cooked this many times! (i use wholemeal floyr and add sultanas) They enjoy it every time.
posted by Jess on May 24, 2013
Hi Sarah, we love hearing success stories, thank you for sharing 🙂 J x
posted by Emma on May 27, 2013
Would this be ok for a 9 month old? Thanks
posted by Jess on May 27, 2013
Hi Emma, yes they should be fine. Although it always depends on the individual child and what textures etc they are current managing. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Kylie on June 16, 2013
how are these best stored? can they be frozen?
posted by Jess on June 17, 2013
Hi Kylie, I find these are best stored in the fridge. They last a little bit longer and George quite enjoys them cold – especially when he is teething! And, yes of course they can be frozen 🙂 I usually freeze mine in small batches and defrost a portion at a time in the fridge to have on hand. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Kirrilly on July 21, 2013
Hi, Any suggestions for making something like this but that is gluten free? We can’t eat oats but the recipe sounds delicious!
posted by Jess on July 21, 2013
Hi Kirrilly, the only thing I thought of as a gluten free alternative was trying quinoa flakes, or even a combination of quinoa flakes and almond meal if nuts are ok? Enjoy, Jx
posted by Hayley on August 1, 2013
These look fab! Would you say they’re suitable for my almost 11 month old? He loves the recipes on your site, I’ve made so many now!
posted by Jess on August 20, 2013
Hi Hayley, We love hearing little children enjoying our recipes and love that you have tried do many! Yes these should be suitable for your 11 month old. However all children progress with solids and textures differently so please consider his development and what textures he currently manages when deciding if these are suitable for your son. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Claire on August 19, 2013
What could you use to replace the eggs?
posted by Jess on August 20, 2013
Hi Claire, bananas are often used as a substitute to eggs so you could try adding an extra overripe banana or using a commercial egg replacer. I hope it works out for you 🙂 Enjoy, Jx
posted by Katrina on September 9, 2013
Ground flax seeds and water or additional chai seeds and water could also probably be used as egg alternatives
posted by Lisa Lewis on November 24, 2013
Would these be suitable for freezing? And if so how long would they last in the freezer? Thanks
posted by Jess on November 26, 2013
Yes Lisa, these are perfect for the freezer and should last around 2 months in the freezer. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Vicki on December 1, 2013
I made these this morning to use up a sad apple, banana and pear from the fruit bowl. Turned out great, my 8 month old gobbled a square up for afternoon tea and OH even tried them and thought they were pretty good too (and he’s not really even that big a fan of fruit!).
posted by Jess on December 1, 2013
Hi Vicki, happy to hear they were a hit. Isn’t it great when you get to use up fruit that otherwise would have ended up in the bin. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Kelly on January 6, 2014
Hi can I use whole meal SR flour or do I have to use plain flour?
Thanks 🙂
Ps love ur recipes!
posted by Jess on January 7, 2014
Hi Kelly, Yes of course. Wholemeal SR flour will work it may just rise a little more due to the rising agents included in the SR variety. It’s only a small amount of flour so you shouldn’t notice much of difference. Enjoy, Jx ps. so glad you love our recipes 🙂
posted by Michelle on January 12, 2014
I combined this with your chew-me oat fruit bars recipe & it turned out great! Not sure the texture was quite right as they are a bit stodgy! I used apple, banana, dried apricot, sultanas, coconut & raw cashews. I took some to a play date in the park for the kids and the mum’s all ate them as well…. As soon as I said they were sugar and butter free 🙂
Love your recipes
posted by Tahlia on January 23, 2014
Just made these and they turned out amazing! My 18 mo daughter loved them! I added in some raw honey and shredded coconut too. Thanks for this delicious recipe 🙂
posted by Jess on January 23, 2014
Our pleasure, thanks Tahlia 🙂 Jx
posted by Kylie on February 1, 2014
Just wondering what other fruit you would suggest could be added instead of the banana?
posted by Bec on March 24, 2014
Made these using almond meal instead and they are still slightly warm yet my 2yr old and my 10mth old are both gobbling them up! Only problem is having any leftover to freeze
posted by Jess on March 27, 2014
Haha, glad they were such a hit Bec 🙂 Jx
posted by Kylie on May 22, 2014
Is it white or black chia seeds? From the pic it looks like it’d be white but just wanted to check, and would it matter either way?
posted by Jess on May 22, 2014
Hi Kylie,
You can use either black or white. It won’t make any difference to your recipe. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Linda on July 9, 2014
What could I use cashew milk instead of cows milk?
posted by Jess on July 15, 2014
Hi Linda, I haven’t tried but I’m sure it would work fine. Please let us know how you go. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Chloe on August 1, 2014
I made these last night after a friend shared the recipe on facebook. Straight from the oven the smell was so incredible. They are in my childrens lunchboxes today. Which I have shared on my facebook page. Thanks for a wonderful recipe.
posted by Christie on August 4, 2014
My little man loves these. Thank you for the receipe.
Just wondering how long these last in the fridge?
Iv frozen a batch aswell:)
posted by Allie on August 8, 2014
3 days in the fridge should be fine 🙂 Ax
posted by Allie on September 8, 2014
Fridge – about 3/4 days, freezer at least 2 months. Ax
posted by Bec on August 6, 2014
I just whipped this up for the first time and they smell fantastic! My 19 month son was saying yum before he’d even tasted them and is currently gobbling down a piece which we had to blow on fast to cool down enough! Thank you for a winner!
posted by Alana on September 25, 2014
Just wondering what could be used as a substitute for the milk.
posted by Allie on October 7, 2014
Perhaps some fruit puree? Almond milk? Ax
posted by Jessica on September 25, 2014
Hi any alternative for Bananas? I’m allergic to them. Thanks
posted by Allie on October 7, 2014
Apple or other fruit puree?
posted by Nicole Doxey on October 15, 2014
hi is there any substitute I can use for the egg due to allergies
posted by Kate on October 15, 2014
Hi there, just wondering if I could use coconut flour and breast milk instead of WM flour & cows milk?
posted by Allie on October 23, 2014
Hi Kate, I am not sure about the coconut flour as I know that can be temperamental but the breast milk should be fine. Ax
posted by Alv on October 24, 2014
Hi, is this meant to have a sticky gluey like consistency? I’m not sure if mine was undercooked though it was in the oven for the stated time. Thanks
posted by Karen on August 8, 2015
Mine were sticky too. Not sure if they will cook as they cool or that’s what they are meant to be. What consistency are we looking for? Thanks!
posted by Rachelle Cadieux on November 11, 2014
Hi, I have been meaning to cook these for some time. Wondering if the chia seeds need to be cooked before adding them to the recipe? I have only used chia seeds in our oatmeal which cooks them in there so I am a little uncertain how/where to use them otherwise.
Thanks!
posted by Jess on November 11, 2014
Hi Rachelle,
There’s no need to precook the chia seeds, simply add them as per the method. Enjoy, Jx
posted by Caroline on February 5, 2015
I made these today with coconut and soy milk to make dairy free! Little man loved them. I had a couple (with raspberry jam) with my cup of tea once he was in bed! Yum!
posted by Kezia on May 16, 2015
Hi,
Our 17 month led all of a sudden refused to be spoon fed and breakfast become a real mess…
posted by lindsay on May 28, 2015
Hi, I’m keen to try these minus the banana. My 16 month old suffers with constipation. Has anyone else tried these without banana and if so were they any good? Alternatively, can you recommend a substitute?
Thanks in advance.
posted by Allie on June 23, 2015
More grated fruit? Some dates or prunes?
posted by Caroline on June 11, 2015
Hi!
My son loves these but suffers from constipation. He is on the low FODMAP diet which means apples, pears and bananas are off the menu (sadly). What would you suggest is best to replace these with?
posted by Beth on June 21, 2015
Made these for my 18 month old while he napped. He devoured one piece then ran to the kitchen yelling ‘more mum’ so I think they are a winner!
posted by Allie on June 23, 2015
gorgeous 🙂
posted by Aiya on July 4, 2015
YUM! My 1yr old and I love these. I also added chopped sultanas which also adds a nice sweetness to it. I love how adaptable these are 🙂
posted by Liz on August 20, 2015
Hi
I added also some polenta, as the mixture looked a bit wet. I worked beautifully, they taste great 🙂
posted by Rike on March 9, 2016
Love this recipe! I have made these many times now and add different ingredients such as dried fruit, nut, rice puffs, amaranth, weet-bix crumbs (what’s left when the packet is empty…). I am always a little careful with the amount of milk and just go by consistency. Thanks for your inspiration!
posted by Amber on May 2, 2016
Hi,
Interested in making these for my 15month old but slightly confused with measurements.
Are you able to let me know the gram equivalent for cups? Or if these are australian or american cups, apparently they are different!
Many thanks,
Amber
posted by Elisha on May 5, 2016
My 10-month-old loved these (so did I!). I used soy formula instead milk (only 1 cup) and plain white flour, but everything else was the same. Next time I might experiment with adding shredded coconut or sultanas. A really easy to make recipe that will be used lots in my home. Thank you!
posted by Kirsty on June 23, 2016
My son doesn’t like banana 🙁 is there anything else I could use to replace it? 🙂
posted by Allie on August 22, 2016
Fruit puree should work well.
posted by Marisa on July 13, 2016
could I substitute the apple or banana for puree?
posted by Allie on August 22, 2016
Yep!
posted by Jane on April 15, 2021
My 8.5 year old loves these for breakfast. I was really struggling to get her to eat much in the morning but these go down a treat. thank you!