Why Make This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat that everyone can enjoy. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert. These bars are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. If you’re looking for a way to use up ripe bananas, this recipe is a great choice. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite mix-ins!

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it into a flat, even layer. Feel free to add more chocolate chips on top!
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges of the bars are golden and the bars appear to be set.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can cut them into squares and serve them as a snack or breakfast option. They also pair well with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter on top for an extra tasty treat.

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the microwave.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
You can substitute the nut butter with any nut or seed butter you like.
To make them extra chewy, let the bars cool in the pan before cutting.
Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or spices to customize your bars.

Variation

You can make these bars nut-free by using sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely. For added flavor, try adding in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut. You can also replace chocolate chips with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them out and mash them before using.

2. Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can leave out the chocolate chips if you prefer. The bars will still be tasty.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free rolled oats, these bars will be gluten-free. Always check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.