Why Make This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a fantastic option for breakfast or snacks. They are easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. These bars combine the goodness of bananas and oats with a touch of chocolate, making them a great choice for both kids and adults. They are also a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas you may have lying around. Plus, they are gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats!

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:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) 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 extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
Transfer the mixture into 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 center looks set.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

You can serve these bars as they are, or you can add a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey on top. They are perfect for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or as a healthy snack during the day. You can also pack them for lunch or take them on a road trip!

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For even longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze them. They will last in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Use overripe bananas for a sweeter flavor.
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture and nutrition.
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup works just fine.
Make sure to mash the bananas well for a smoother mixture.

Variation

You can turn these bars into energy bites by rolling the mixture into small balls instead of pressing it into a pan. This is a great option for on-the-go snacks!

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats will work, but they may change the texture slightly. Rolled oats give a chewier bite.

2. How can I make these bars vegan?
You can make them vegan by using a plant-based nut butter and ensuring the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

3. What can I replace nut butter with?
If you’re allergic to nuts, you can use sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter as a substitute.

Enjoy making and sharing your Banana Oatmeal Bars!