why make this recipe
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are easy and healthy. You can make them fast with simple pantry items. They work for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes. If you want another simple banana treat, try this recipe for banana cookies that uses no bake steps: soft banana pudding cookies.
introduction
This recipe uses ripe bananas, oats, nut butter, and a few other things. Mix, press, and bake. The bars are chewy and sweet without much sugar. For a creamy banana dessert idea that does not bake, see this easy banana pudding with Biscoff twist: banana pudding with Biscoff cookies.
how to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
Make the batter, press into a pan, and bake. The steps below show what to do in order.
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 350F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix together the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
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
Cut the cooled bars into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled. These bars pair well with milk, yogurt, or a cup of tea. If you like a warm treat, heat a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds.
how to store Banana Oatmeal Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Put them in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and soft texture.
- Press the mix firmly into the pan so the bars hold together.
- If your batter seems dry, add a little more mashed banana or a splash of milk.
- For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
- For extra chocolate, scatter a few chips on top before baking.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mix.
- Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or raisins.
- Stir in a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds for extra fiber.
FAQs
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes. Quick oats work but the texture will be softer.
Q: Can I make these without chocolate chips?
A: Yes. Skip them or replace with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
Q: Will these stick together if I skip the nut butter?
A: Nut butter helps bind the bars. If you skip it, add an extra half cup of mashed banana or a flax egg to help hold them.
Q: How do I know when they are done baking?
A: The edges should be golden and the top should look set, not wet.
Q: Can I cut them before they cool?
A: Cutting cold bars gives cleaner edges. They may fall apart if cut while warm.
Conclusion
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are quick to make and good for many meals. For another simple take on banana and oats, see this four-ingredient banana oatmeal bars recipe for ideas and tips: 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars recipe. If you want a different version with extra notes and photos, you can read a full Banana Oatmeal Bars write-up here: Banana Oatmeal Bars – Carmy.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas) Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and soft texture.
- 0.5 cups nut butter For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead.
- 2 cups rolled oats Quick oats can be used for a softer texture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips For extra chocolate, scatter a few chips on top before baking.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x9 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 are golden and the bars appear to be set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
Serving
- Cut the cooled bars into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.
- They pair well with milk, yogurt, or a cup of tea.
- For a warm treat, heat a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Storage
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen bars in the fridge before serving.
