Banana Oatmeal Bars are a yummy and healthy snack that uses ripe bananas and oats. They’re sweet, chewy, and filled with flavor, making them perfect for breakfast or as a treat any time!
These bars are super easy to make, and I love that they’re a great way to use up those brown bananas sitting on the counter. Plus, they make for a perfect snack when I’m on the go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. The riper they are, the sweeter the bars will be. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a good substitute—use about 1/2 cup.
Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for these bars as they provide texture. You can swap with quick oats if that’s what you have, but avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t work the same.
Nut Butter: Almond butter gives a nice flavor, but you can easily use peanut butter or sunbutter for a nut-free option. I’ve found that using natural nut butters without added sugar makes the bars taste even better.
Sweetener: You can use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. I love maple syrup for its unique taste, but any of these options will work well. If you’d like these bars sugar-free, try using mashed dates or a sugar-free syrup.
Cinnamon: This adds a warm flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or substitute with nutmeg for a different spice profile!
How Do I Ensure My Oatmeal Bars Bake Evenly?
Even baking is key for these bars, so here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure to preheat your oven properly to 350°F (175°C). An oven thermometer can help if you’re unsure of your oven’s true temperature.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. You can leave some overhang, which makes pulling the bars out easier.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for consistent cooking.
- Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark—look for golden edges and a clean toothpick in the center.
Allow the bars to cool before cutting to help them set up nicely. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes to cool your bars. So, in just about 45 minutes, you’ll have tasty banana oatmeal bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars later!
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until they are nice and smooth. The riper your bananas are, the sweeter your bars will be!
3. Mix in the Ingredients:
Now, add in the rolled oats, almond butter (or peanut butter), honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything together really well until all the ingredients are nicely combined and it looks like a thick batter.
4. Fold in Optional Ingredients:
If you want to make your bars extra tasty, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts at this stage. This step is optional, but trust me, they are delicious with these add-ins!
5. Spread Mixture in Pan:
Pour your banana-oat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the pan so that it bakes evenly.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pop the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Bars:
Once they are baked, let the bars cool right in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up nicely!
8. Cut and Enjoy:
When the bars are completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your homemade banana oatmeal bars! Plus, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I Substitute the Almond Butter?
Absolutely! You can use peanut butter, sunbutter, or any nut/seed butter of your choice. Keep in mind that different butters may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but they should still work well in the recipe.
How Ripe Should the Bananas Be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or those that are almost completely brown. This ensures maximum sweetness and flavor in your oatmeal bars.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins Besides Chocolate Chips and Nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative—dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, seeds, or even spices like nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins around 1/2 cup to maintain the right consistency.
How to Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
