Banana Oatmeal Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. They are quick and easy to make, with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. These bars are not only delicious but also healthy. They make for a great breakfast or snack. If you are looking for a way to use up ripe bananas, this is the perfect recipe. Making these bars is a great opportunity to create something wholesome for you and your family.

These bars are packed with nutrients. They contain bananas, which are rich in potassium and vitamins. The rolled oats provide fiber, keeping you full longer. Nut butter offers healthy fats and protein. By choosing natural sweeteners like maple syrup, you avoid refined sugars. If you enjoy the taste of chocolate, adding chocolate chips makes these bars even more enjoyable. Each bite gives you a burst of flavor, making it hard to resist going back for more!

Not only are these bars tasty, but they can also be customized to suit your preferences. You can easily adjust the ingredients or add extras like nuts or dried fruits. This flexibility makes them a favorite for families. You can make a batch on the weekend and have a healthy grab-and-go snack ready for the week.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Making Banana Oatmeal Bars is a simple process that even beginners can do. Let’s break it down step by step.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1½ cups mashed bananas (approximately 3 bananas)
• ½ cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or your choice)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that your bars will cook evenly.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help you remove the bars easily after they are baked.

3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher. Make sure they are smooth. Next, add the nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.

4. Transfer to the Pan: Spoon the mixture into the lined baking pan. Use a spatula to flatten the mixture into an even layer. If you want, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for a yummy finish.

5. Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges are golden brown and the center appears set.

6. Cool and Cut: Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. After cooling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Now you have your delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars make a perfect snack or breakfast item. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

• As a Breakfast Option: Enjoy these bars with a glass of milk or yogurt. They are a great way to start your day!

• On the Go: Pack a bar in a lunchbox for a quick snack at school or work. They are easy to carry and can be eaten anywhere.

• Garnished with Toppings: For an extra treat, you can top them with nut butter, yogurt, or even a drizzle of honey.

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve the bars alongside fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or apple slices for a refreshing and nutritious snack.

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

To keep your Banana Oatmeal Bars fresh, store them properly:

• In an Airtight Container: Place the bars in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

• In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can be chilled and taste great when cold.

• Freezing for Later: You can also freeze these bars for future use. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can remain frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Here are some tips to ensure your Banana Oatmeal Bars turn out perfect:

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.

• Experiment with Nut Butter: You can use any type of nut butter you like. Almond butter, peanut butter, or even sunflower seed butter will all work well.

• Add Extra Flavors: Consider adding extras like vanilla protein powder, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts. They will add flavor and nutrition.

• Make Them Vegan: To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup as the sweetener and ensure your nut butter is dairy-free.

Variation

Feel free to get creative with your Banana Oatmeal Bars! Here are a few variations to try:

• Nutty Banana Oatmeal Bars: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a crunch.

• Fruit-Infused Bars: Mix in dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for added sweetness and texture.

• Spicy Cinnamon Bars: Increase the cinnamon to 1½ teaspoons for a warming, spiced flavor.

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars: Spread a thin layer of your favorite fruit jam on top before baking for a delicious twist.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats give the bars a chewier texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. This will ensure that the bars are completely gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The edges of the bars should turn golden brown, and they should look set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

By following this easy recipe and these tips, you can enjoy delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars anytime. They are sure to become a favorite for you and your family!

Banana Oatmeal Bars

Delicious and healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and nut butter, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 cups mashed bananas (approximately 3 bananas) Use ripe bananas for sweetness.
• 0.5 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or your choice) Any nut butter can work.
• 2 cups rolled oats Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if gluten-sensitive.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon For flavor enhancement.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds extra flavor.
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup Natural sweetener, can substitute with honey.
• 1 cup chocolate chips Optional for sweetness and flavor.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Balancing flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
4. Add nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt to the mashed bananas. Mix until combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan. Flatten the mixture into an even layer.
6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then lift them out and cut into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap bars and freeze for up to 3 months.