Introduction

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, naturally sweet treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. These bars combine ripe bananas, rolled oats, and your favorite mix-ins for a delicious and nourishing bite. They’re easy to make and great for on-the-go enjoyment.

The image shows four square pieces of a golden-brown baked dish stacked on a white plate. Each piece has a slightly rough texture on top with small visible bits, and there are a few pecan halves placed on and around the squares, adding a rich brown color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the moist inside and crisp outside edges of the squares. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in your choice of mix-ins gently.
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool for a few minutes, then lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into bars and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use well-ripened bananas for natural sweetness and better texture.
Try adding shredded coconut or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Swap almond milk for any dairy or plant-based milk to suit dietary needs.
For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.

Storage

Store the banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to one week. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until soft and cozy.

How to Serve

The image shows four square oat bars stacked on a white plate. Each bar has a golden brown color with visible oat texture, and some pieces of pecans are placed on top of the bars. The bars look dense and moist, with rough edges and a crumbly surface. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture may be softer and less chewy compared to rolled oats.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 132 reviews

These Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and healthy snack or breakfast option made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these bars are easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious on-the-go treat.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
a pinch salt

Mix-ins

1/2 cup mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit)

Instructions

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Stir the mixture until all the wet ingredients are well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix evenly to distribute the baking powder and spices throughout the oats.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring continuously until fully incorporated into a thick batter. Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, being careful not to overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the baked bars to cool for several minutes. Using the parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into bars of your desired size and serve.

Notes

Use well-ripened bananas for optimal sweetness and moisture.
You can customize mix-ins based on your preference, such as adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
Make sure not to overbake to keep the bars moist and chewy.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
These bars can be reheated in the microwave for a warm snack.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, baked banana bars, healthy breakfast bars, oat bars, easy breakfast recipe, vegetarian snack