Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and healthy snack option that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the wholesome goodness of rolled oats. These bars are perfect for breakfast on the go or a mid-afternoon treat. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are a great way to use overripe bananas while providing a nutritious boost to your day.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
Making Banana Oatmeal Bars is a smart choice because they are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Bananas are a great source of potassium and fiber, while oats provide essential vitamins and minerals. This recipe is naturally sweetened and can easily be customized to fit your dietary preferences. Plus, they are easy to prepare and are perfect for meal prep.
How to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
A delightful and healthy snack option that combines ripe bananas with wholesome rolled oats.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
How to serve Banana Oatmeal Bars
You can serve Banana Oatmeal Bars as a quick breakfast or snack. They are delicious on their own, but you can also top them with peanut butter, yogurt, or fresh fruit for added flavor and nutrition. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
How to store Banana Oatmeal Bars
To store Banana Oatmeal Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. Just thaw and enjoy whenever you crave a snack!
Tips to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
- You can add mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and taste.
- If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup.
Variation
You can also make these bars gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. Additionally, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for some warm spice or substituting applesauce for eggs if you want a vegan version. Feel free to bake them under the format your like the most; you can turn them into muffins, for example.
FAQs
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the bars may be slightly different.
Q: What can I substitute for honey?
A: You can use pure maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar as a sweetener.
Q: How can I make these bars more nutritious?
A: Consider adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or protein powder to increase the nutritional value of the bars.
Final Bite
In conclusion, Banana Oatmeal Bars are a simple, tasty, and healthy snack that everyone will love. They are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any time of the day. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade oatmeal bars!
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
