Banana Oatmeal Bars

Who can resist the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Banana Oatmeal Bars wafting through the kitchen?

These delightful bars are your new best friend for breakfast or that mid-afternoon snack attack. Quick, healthy, and surprisingly decadent—they’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Plus, they’re loaded with dark chocolate chips, because why not? 🍫

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love these Banana Oatmeal Bars for so many reasons!

• Easy Cleanup: Minimal dishes means more time enjoying these tasty treats and less time scrubbing pots and pans. Win-win, right?
• Family-Friendly: Packed with oats and bananas, these bars cater to even the pickiest of eaters. Kids will devour them, and you won’t have to disguise the goodness.
• Affordable: No fancy or expensive ingredients here—just real food that won’t break the bank!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 ripe bananas (approx 1 cup mashed)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or runny is best)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (can sub honey)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Baking these bars is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas and then stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
7. Let the bars cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing into squares.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars (Overview)

Making these Banana Oatmeal Bars is like a warm hug on a plate. First, mix your dry ingredients while your oven preheats. Then, mash those bananas—what’s more satisfying than squishing fruit with your fork? Combine your wet and dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips. Pour, spread, and bake. Easy peasy! Pro tip: Letting the bars cool helps them firm up, making slicing a piece of cake (sort of). 🍰

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

These bars are super versatile! Enjoy them straight from the pan for a casual treat or plate them with a drizzle of honey for a touch of elegance. Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack option. Picture it: golden-brown bars topped with melted chocolate and the sweet aroma of banana filling the air. Who wouldn’t come back for seconds?

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

These bars keep well for about 5 days in the fridge, so you can make them ahead of time. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying that chewy goodness again.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Timing: Allowing the bars to cool is key for the perfect slice. Don’t be too eager!
• Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of peanut butter, almond butter or even sunflower seed butter works wonders.
• Texture Tips: For chewier bars, add a bit more oats. Want them less dense? Use a little less peanut butter.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a fruity twist! Want a vegan option? Simply substitute maple syrup for honey and choose a plant-based nut butter. The possibilities are endless—make it yours!

FAQs

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Quick oats will work, but they might make the bars a bit mushier. Rolled oats give a heartier texture!

Q: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Simply use certified gluten-free oats! Easy switch, delicious result.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last for months.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Banana Oatmeal Bars

Delightful banana oatmeal bars loaded with dark chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 9 pieces

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (approx 1 cup mashed)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or runny is best)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (can sub honey)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas and then stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
2. Let the bars cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing into squares.

Notes

These bars keep well for about 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Allow bars to cool for perfect slicing. Try other nut butters or dried fruits for variation.