Description
These homemade oatmeal banana bars are a simple, healthy, and delicious breakfast or snack. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and packed with hearty oats, they’re perfect for a grab-and-go meal that keeps you satisfied.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, flaxseeds, dried cranberries, or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Add the rolled oats and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until the oats are fully coated.
- If using, fold in any optional add-ins.
- Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the oatmeal banana bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats.
- For vegan bars, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and mashability.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key to preventing crumbly bars.
- Cooling completely before cutting is essential for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Snack Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approx. 180-220 (will vary based on add-ins)
- Sugar: Approx. 10-15g
- Sodium: Approx. 60mg
- Fat: Approx. 8-12g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 1-2g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 7-10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25-30g
- Fiber: Approx. 3-4g
- Protein: Approx. 4-6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg