If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying treat, these Banana Oatmeal Bars are the answer. Made with ripe bananas, hearty oats, and a touch of sweetness, they strike the perfect balance between wholesome and delicious. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, these bars are versatile and family-friendly. The recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers yet rewarding enough to impress anyone.
With optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, you can customize them to your taste. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy soft, chewy goodness in every bite!
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What are Banana Oatmeal Bars?
Ever wondered why some things are named the way they are? Like, why is a grapefruit called a grapefruit when it has nothing to do with grapes? Similarly, who decided to combine bananas and oatmeal and call it a “bar?” Was it a stroke of genius or just the ramblings of a hungry baker? Perhaps it was a secret society dedicated to the art of deliciousness!
One thing’s for sure, though; whoever invented these bars knew what they were doing. They knew the way to someone’s heart (and a healthy snack) is through their stomach, and these Banana Oatmeal Bars are proof. So, skip the mystery and dive into the deliciousness! Give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. You won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients for Banana Oatmeal Bars:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful treats.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the better! They add sweetness and moisture.
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats: Provides texture and a hearty, wholesome base. Use old-fashioned or quick oats.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): Gives structure to the bars.
- ½ cup brown sugar (or alternative sweetener): Adds sweetness and a slightly molasses-y flavor.
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the mashed bananas to create a lighter texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips (optional): Because who doesn’t love chocolate?
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars:
This recipe is incredibly easy and perfect for beginner bakers! You’ll simply combine all the ingredients, spread them into a pan, and bake until golden brown.
The total preparation time is around 10 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 25-30 minutes. Get ready to enjoy a warm, fragrant, and satisfying treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) an 8×8 inch baking pan. This ensures the bars won’t stick and makes for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are okay. Ripe bananas are key here—they provide natural sweetness and moisture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter (or coconut oil) and brown sugar (or alternative sweetener) to the mashed bananas. Mix well until combined. The melted butter helps bind the ingredients, while brown sugar adds depth of flavor.
Add Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can result in tough bars.
Fold in Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) and chocolate chips. These add extra flavor and texture to the bars.
Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. This ensures the bars will bake uniformly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be golden brown around the edges.
Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This prevents them from crumbling. Cooling can take about an hour, but patience is a virtue in baking!
Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Bars
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that offers a winning combination of ease, affordability, and deliciousness. The highlight is undoubtedly the moist, chewy texture and the comforting flavor of banana and cinnamon. What also makes this recipe so approachable is that it’s cost-effective compared to buying pre-made snacks.
Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit. If you’re looking for another delicious and healthy option, try our Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake, a similar recipe with a flavorful twist. Ready to bake your own batch of these irresistible bars? Give it a go!
What to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars With:
These bars are fantastic on their own, but if you’re looking to create a complete meal or snack, here are some complementary suggestions:
- A glass of cold milk (dairy or non-dairy): Perfect for dipping!
- A cup of hot coffee or tea: A comforting combination, especially on a chilly morning.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of ice cream: Adds a creamy and cooling element.
- Fresh fruit (berries, sliced bananas, or apples): Complements the flavors and adds a burst of freshness.
- A side of scrambled eggs or a small side of bacon (for breakfast): Adds a protein boost.
Top Tips for Perfecting Banana Oatmeal Bars:
Want to bake the best Banana Oatmeal Bars possible? Here are some tips and tricks to ensure success:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Add a Glaze(extra): Want to fancy it up? Consider adding a simple glaze on top of the bars once they’ve cooled completely. A powdered sugar and milk glaze works perfectly but optionally.
- Customize with Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins such as dried cranberries, raisins, shredded coconut, or other nuts.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan and prevents sticking.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Proper storage is key to keeping your Banana Oatmeal Bars fresh and delicious.
- Storing: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The refrigerator will keep them moist and prevent them from spoiling.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a bar for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also enjoy them straight from the refrigerator or freezer.
Final Thoughts:
This Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create something delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly using ingredients you probably already have at home.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of banana and oats. Not only are these Banana Oatmeal Bars easy, they bring back the taste and goodness of a grandma’s kitchen! Enjoy!
Discover more here : The Ultimate Baking Hub: Classic & Seasonal Recipes for Home Bakers
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- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, whole wheat flour, or oat flour. Keep in mind that using different flours may slightly alter the texture of the bars.
Can I use artificial sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use your preferred artificial sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste, as different sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or another vegan butter alternative. Ensure your chocolate chips are also vegan-friendly.
My bars came out too dry. What did I do wrong?
The most common cause of dry bars is overbaking. Next time, try reducing the baking time by a few minutes or adding a tablespoon or two of milk to the batter.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, making them the perfect healthy snack or light dessert. Packed with wholesome oats, a hint of cinnamon, and optional add-ins like crunchy nuts or chocolate chips, they’re easy to bake and ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- ½ cup brown sugar (or alternative sweetener)
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour or line with parchment paper an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add melted butter (or coconut oil) and brown sugar, then mix well.
- Stir in rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in nuts and chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
Ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture. Letting the bars cool completely before slicing helps them hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
These were easy and delicious! Turned out perfectly.