Why Make This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a fantastic snack option. They are healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Packed with energy from bananas and oats, these bars are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. Plus, they are simple enough for anyone to whip up, making them a good choice for busy days.

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:

Heat the oven to 350°F 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, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
Transfer the mixture to 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 bars appear to be set.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars are great on their own but can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of nuts, or a drizzle of honey. They also pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

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 up to three days. For longer storage, you can place them in the refrigerator for about a week or freeze them for up to three months.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Make sure the bananas are ripe for the best flavor.
Try different nut butters like almond or peanut butter for a unique taste.
You can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to enhance the texture and flavor.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup depending on your taste.

Variation

You can make a peanut butter version of these bars by using peanut butter instead of other nut butters. Additionally, try adding a handful of coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

FAQs

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

2. What nut butter can I use?
You can use any nut butter like almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

3. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and nut butter.