Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Made with simple ingredients like ripe bananas and rolled oats, they offer natural sweetness and hearty texture in every bite.
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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Step 3: Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Step 4: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.
Tips & Variations
- For added texture, stir in a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking.
- Use gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free option.
- Replace honey or maple syrup with brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- To make smaller bars, use a 9×9-inch pan and reduce baking time slightly, checking doneness after 20 minutes.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm them briefly in the microwave or oven until soft and warm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas?
Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they are sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the flavor of the bars.
Can I freeze these bars?
You can freeze the bars by wrapping them individually or storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
PrintBanana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and natural sweeteners. Perfectly soft and naturally sweet, they provide a nutritious boost for breakfast or a quick energy snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Mash the bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth to create a natural base for the bars.
- Combine ingredients: Add the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir all the ingredients together until you have a well-combined batter.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Pour and spread batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly to create a uniform thickness for baking.
- Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool for at least ten minutes in the dish before slicing into squares for serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs.
- You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars freeze well; wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Use overripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture.
Keywords: banana bars, oatmeal bars, healthy snack, easy breakfast, gluten free option
