Banana Oatmeal Bars

Enjoy Delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a simple and tasty treat that you can easily make at home. Many people love using ripe bananas in their cooking, and these bars are a great way to use them up. They are soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. The combination of bananas and oats makes these bars not just delicious but also healthy. You can enjoy them on the go, after a workout, or even pack them for lunch.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Banana Oatmeal Bars. First, they are quick and easy to prepare. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip these up. Just a few simple steps and you are on your way to enjoying a delightful snack.

Second, these bars are a fantastic way to use ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Instead of throwing them away, you can turn them into something delicious that you can share with family and friends.

Another great reason to make this recipe is that they are customizable. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to personalize these bars to your taste. They are also a great source of energy because oats provide complex carbohydrates that keep you full for longer.

Eating these Banana Oatmeal Bars can help you maintain a balanced diet. They contain natural sugars from the bananas and honey or maple syrup, making them a wholesome alternative to many sugary snacks available in stores.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Making Banana Oatmeal Bars is straightforward and fun. Follow this guide to get started.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because it allows the bars to cook evenly and get that nice golden brown color.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, take the ripe bananas and mash them until they are smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher. Make sure there are no chunks left because a smooth mixture will help create soft bars.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Next, add the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract into the mixing bowl. Stir everything together until well combined. It should all mix into one thick batter.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Take an 8×8-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step will help ensure your bars do not stick to the dish.

Step 5: Pour and Spread the Mixture

Now, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Make sure it is level, so the baking is even.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars; you want them to be golden brown on top. When they are done, the edges will pull away slightly from the sides of the dish.

Step 7: Let Cool and Cut

Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for at least ten minutes. This cooling time is important; it helps the bars set up properly. After they have cooled, you can slice them into squares.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars can be served in various ways. You can eat them plain as a quick snack or breakfast option. They are great with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of nut butter if you want to add some protein.

Some people enjoy crumbling the bars over oatmeal or yogurt for added texture and flavor. You can also serve them warm, straight from the oven. Warm bars can be comforting and delicious, especially on a chilly day.

If you are serving them for a gathering or family get-together, you can present them on a nice plate, perhaps dusted with a little powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate syrup for an extra touch.

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

To keep your Banana Oatmeal Bars fresh, store them properly. After they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. You can keep the bars at room temperature for up to three days.

For longer storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator. They will last for up to a week when kept cold. If you want, you can also freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Banana Oatmeal Bars turn out perfectly.

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

2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry and wet ingredients, stir only until they are just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough.

3. Add-ins for Flavor: Feel free to add mix-ins like walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips. They can complement the banana flavor and add an extra crunch.

4. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your bars at the 25-minute mark. They are done when the edges start to lightly brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

5. Experiment with Sweeteners: If you prefer a less sweet bar, use less honey or maple syrup, or opt for a sugar substitute that you enjoy.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, consider making a few variations of Banana Oatmeal Bars. You can try different flavorings, such as adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor. Chocolate lovers will enjoy adding cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the mixture.

For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut or chopped dried pineapple. You can even swap out some of the oats for whole-wheat flour for a different texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This will act as a binder for your bars.

2. How can I ensure my bars stay soft?

To keep your Banana Oatmeal Bars soft, do not overbake them. Check the bars as soon as they near 25 minutes. Overbaking can lead to dry bars.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the recipe and use a larger baking dish. Just make sure to adjust your baking time as needed. A larger batch may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Banana Oatmeal Bars! They are a perfect blend of sweetness, healthiness, and convenience, suitable for everyone in the family.

Banana Oatmeal Bars

Soft and tasty banana oatmeal bars made with ripe bananas and rolled oats, perfect for a snack or breakfast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 9 pieces

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed) Use very ripe bananas for sweetness.
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup Can adjust based on sweetness preference.
• 2 large eggs For vegan option, use flaxseed meal.
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Can serve plain, with Greek yogurt, or nut butter. Store in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature, or one week in the refrigerator.