Description
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and natural ingredients. Easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, a nutritious snack, or a cozy treat on the go, they feature natural sweetness and a satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon natural baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 1/4 cup honey (natural) or maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (plant-based) (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or chopped dates (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chia, flax, or pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons almond or peanut butter (natural) (optional)
- Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas and Mix Dry Ingredients: Mash ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky to keep texture interesting. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, natural baking powder, cinnamon, natural gelling agent, and a pinch of salt if using.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add honey (natural) or maple syrup (natural) and vanilla extract (natural) to the mashed bananas. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Optional Ingredients and Mix: Fold in any optional nuts, dark chocolate chips (plant-based), dried fruits, seeds, nut butters (natural), or spices as desired to add texture and flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the mixture evenly into a lined baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the Banana Oatmeal Bars cool completely in the dish to set properly due to the natural gelling agent. Slice into bars and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Choose ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep a tender texture.
- Cooling the bars fully allows them to set and hold together.
- Rolled oats work best for chewiness; instant oats may make bars too soft.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness and balance flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, gluten free, natural sweetness, easy breakfast, plant-based, wholesome treat