These banana oatmeal bars are simple, wholesome, and satisfy a sweet tooth without fuss. They bake into tender, slightly chewy squares with a warm banana aroma, a hint of cinnamon, and pockets of melted chocolate if you add chips. They make a great grab-and-go breakfast, an after-school snack, or a healthy treat with your afternoon tea.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 9 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 190 kcal
- Protein: 5.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 8.5 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
Why Make Delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars
These bars are quick, healthy, and comforting. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture so you use less added sugar. Rolled oats provide a hearty chew and whole-grain nutrition. Peanut butter gives richness, protein, and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with banana. They smell warm and cozy as they bake, and the edges turn lightly golden while the centers stay soft. Make them when you want a simple, portable snack that feels homemade.
How to Make Delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars
This recipe is straightforward: mash, mix, bake, and cool. Use ripe bananas for best flavor and texture. You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunbutter for nut-free versions. Add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds add texture and nutrition. Follow the steps below for even, well-baked bars.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This makes removing the bars easy.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with a fork. Add the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined and the oats are moistened. If you are using chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 3: Baking
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or about 22 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden and the center has set.
Step 4: Cooling and Cutting
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes so they firm up. Lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 9 bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars
Serve warm with a smear of extra peanut butter or a drizzle of honey. They pair well with yogurt, fresh fruit, a cup of coffee, or a glass of milk. For a brunch spread, cut smaller squares and arrange with nuts and fruit for a buffet-style snack.
How to Store Delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm briefly before serving if you like them soft.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Use ripe bananas with brown speckles for the best sweetness and aroma.
- Mash bananas very well for even texture. Small lumps are fine but avoid large chunks.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a teaspoon of milk or a touch more honey; if too wet, stir in 1–2 tablespoons extra oats.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together after baking.
- Let the bars cool fully in the pan for firmer squares. Cutting too soon can make them crumbly.
- For nut-free households, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
- To reduce sugar, use unsweetened chocolate chips or omit them and cut honey to 3 tablespoons.
Delicious Variations
- Banana-Nut Crunch: Fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Berry Boost: Stir in 1/4 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for chew and tartness.
- Chocolate Swirl: Melt 2 tablespoons chocolate and swirl on top before baking for a marbled look.
- Coconut-Almond: Use almond butter and fold in 2 tablespoons shredded coconut.
- Protein-Packed: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder and a splash of milk if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes. Quick oats will work but may yield a softer, less chewy texture. Use the same amount.
Q: Can I make these bars vegan?
A: Yes. Swap honey for maple syrup and use a plant-based nut butter. Baking and storage stay the same.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Very ripe is best — yellow with brown spots or mostly brown. They are sweeter and mash more smoothly.
Q: My bars were too crumbly. What happened?
A: They may not have been packed tightly in the pan, or they were cut too soon. Press the mixture firmly before baking and cool fully. You can also add a tablespoon of nut butter or a splash of milk to bind the mixture.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Double ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time: start checking at 25–28 minutes and bake until golden at the edges and set in the center.
Q: Are these bars freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.
Q: Can I add protein powder or flaxseed?
A: Yes. Add up to 2 tablespoons of protein powder or ground flaxseed. If mixture thickens, add a teaspoon of milk to adjust consistency.
Conclusion
These Delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars are an easy, tasty way to turn ripe bananas into a healthy snack. They bake into soft, slightly chewy bars with a warm banana-cinnamon scent and a satisfying nutty richness. For a very similar, simple take on banana-oat bars and extra inspiration, see 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars – The Roasted Root. Give these a try — they’re quick to make and great to have on hand for busy mornings or snack time. Enjoy!
Print
Delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These banana oatmeal bars are quick, healthy, and comforting, with ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for about 22 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes, then cut into 9 bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Protein: 5.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
