Banana Oatmeal Bars

What Makes This Recipe a Favorite

Banana Oatmeal Bars offer a delightful combination of sweetness and heartiness. The texture is soft and chewy, making these bars a satisfying treat. These bars are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack and appeal to both kids and adults.

The method ensures a simple preparation process that yields reliable results. Using ripe bananas and oats as the main ingredients means you get a nutritious option that is easy to make. For more delicious options, try making simple granola bars or energy bites.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Banana Oatmeal Bars. Measurements are in the recipe card.

• Ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are brown-speckled for better flavor.
• Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture.
• Cinnamon: This adds a warm and inviting flavor to the bars.
• Honey or maple syrup: Both sweeteners work well to enhance the flavor.
• Nut butter: Choose your favorite, like peanut or almond butter, for added creaminess.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth to the bars.
• Optional add-ins: Consider adding nuts or dried fruit for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Make This Banana Oatmeal Bars

Making these bars is easy and perfect for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps to enjoy your snack.

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the bananas
In a large mixing bowl, add the ripe bananas. Mash them until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Mix in the ingredients
Add rolled oats, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup, nut butter, salt, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Transfer to the pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly.

Step 5: Bake the bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and slice
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool. Once cool, slice the mixture into bars for easy serving.

Tips for Success

These tips will help ensure your bars turn out well.

1. Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars will be.
2. Do not overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bars chewy.
3. Let them cool: Cooling helps the bars firm up for easier cutting.
4. Store properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Variations

You can customize your Banana Oatmeal Bars with these variations.

• Nutty Banana Bars: Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Bars: Stir in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Fruit and Nut Bars: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
• Spiced Bars: Add nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ways to enjoy your Banana Oatmeal Bars.

• Grab-and-go breakfast: Perfect for busy mornings.
• Snack time boost: A great option for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Party platter: Cut into smaller pieces for a party snack.
• Post-workout treat: Enjoy as a protein-rich recovery snack.

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars ahead of time and store them for several days.

How do I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag.

What can I substitute for nut butter?
You can use sunflower seed butter or tahini as alternatives to nut butter.

Banana Oatmeal Bars

These Banana Oatmeal Bars combine sweetness and heartiness, making them a delicious and nutritious option for breakfast or snacks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 bars

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 medium Ripe bananas Choose bananas that are brown-speckled for better flavor.
• 2 cups Rolled oats Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture.
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Adds a warm flavor.
• 1/3 cup Honey or maple syrup Both sweeteners work well to enhance the flavor.
• 1/2 cup Nut butter Choose your favorite, like peanut or almond butter.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt A pinch enhances all flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract adds depth.

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup Chopped nuts or dried fruit For extra crunch and flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Mix in rolled oats, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup, nut butter, salt, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly with a spatula.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown.

Cooling and Serving

1. Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing into bars.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for sweetness. Do not overmix to keep bars chewy. Store in an airtight container for freshness.