Banana Oatmeal Bars are the perfect combination of healthy, delicious, and filling. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and a handful of simple ingredients, these bars are ideal for a quick breakfast, an energy-boosting snack, or a post-workout treat. They’re naturally sweetened, packed with fiber, and easy to customize with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. These bars are not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are incredibly versatile and great for meal prepping. The combination of bananas and oats provides a hearty base that’s naturally sweet and packed with fiber, while the addition of cinnamon and vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor. They’re quick to make, and you can keep them on hand for busy mornings or whenever you need a wholesome snack. Plus, they can be enjoyed by people with dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan, depending on the ingredients you use.

Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the honey or maple syrup (if using), almond milk, vanilla extract, and peanut or almond butter (if using) until combined.
Add the dry ingredients: Add the oats, ground cinnamon, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them into the mixture.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake the bars: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve: Once the bars have cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9-12 bars
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to customize these bars with your favorite add-ins, such as chocolate chips, raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.
Make it Vegan: To make these bars vegan, ensure the honey is substituted with maple syrup, and use a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk.
Peanut Butter Swirl: For a peanut butter flavor, swirl peanut butter through the batter before baking. You can also add a spoonful of peanut butter on top for an extra layer.
Spices: If you enjoy more spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for added flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to make these bars suitable for gluten-free diets.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats instead of rolled oats. However, quick oats may result in a slightly softer texture. Rolled oats provide a bit more chew.

2. Can I substitute the bananas with applesauce?

Yes, you can substitute mashed bananas with applesauce for a slightly different flavor. The applesauce will also add moisture to the bars.

3. Can I make these bars without honey or maple syrup?

If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can leave out the sweetener entirely or reduce the amount. The bananas provide natural sweetness, so it’s optional based on your preference.

4. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.

5. How do I make these bars more filling?

To make the bars more filling, you can add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture or add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds for a boost of nutrition.

6. Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, you can add protein powder. A vanilla or unflavored protein powder works best. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of protein powder and adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to compensate for the extra dry ingredients.

7. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s wet or sticky, bake for a few more minutes.

8. Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?

Yes, you can substitute the bananas with other fruits like mashed apples, pears, or even pumpkin puree. Keep in mind that the flavor will change based on the fruit used.

9. How do I make these bars fluffier?

For fluffier bars, you can add a teaspoon of baking powder to the dry ingredients. This will help the bars rise slightly as they bake.

10. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free snack.

Conclusion

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a fantastic, healthy snack or breakfast option. They’re naturally sweetened, packed with fiber, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re in need of a quick snack to take on the go or a nutritious breakfast to start your day, these bars are the perfect solution. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can make these bars ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week!

Chef MARTHA