Banana Oatmeal Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a fantastic snack or breakfast option that combines the wholesome goodness of oats and bananas. They are easy to make, healthy, and perfect for on-the-go munching. Plus, they are naturally sweetened and full of energy-boosting ingredients, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a nutritious pick-me-up.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/2 cup nut butter (e.g., almond or peanut butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, nut butter, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy as a snack or for breakfast!

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

These bars are great by themselves but can also be dressed up! You can serve them with a drizzle of honey or a smear of extra nut butter. For a lighter touch, serve them with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt. They make a quick breakfast or a delicious afternoon snack.

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

To keep your Banana Oatmeal Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Make sure your bananas are very ripe; the riper they are, the sweeter your bars will be.
• You can add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
• If you want to make them gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
• Taste the mixture before baking to see if you want to add more sweetener.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You can add chocolate chips for a sweet treat, or swap out the nut butter for sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option. You can also use different spices, like nutmeg or pumpkin spice, for additional flavor.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats give a chewier texture.

How do I know when my bars are done baking?
They are done when the edges are golden brown. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, simply omit the honey or use maple syrup as your sweetener.

Banana Oatmeal Bars

Healthy and easy to make, Banana Oatmeal Bars are a perfect snack or breakfast option, combining wholesome oats and ripe bananas.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pieces ripe bananas Ensure they are very ripe for sweetness.
• 2 cups rolled oats Use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free option.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Can substitute with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for variation.
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Optional for added sweetness.
• 1/2 cup nut butter Almond or peanut butter are great choices.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional for extra flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, nut butter, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

Baking

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
2. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

These bars can be served with a drizzle of honey, extra nut butter, fresh fruit, or yogurt. Store them in an airtight container; they last a few days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Freeze for longer storage.