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Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars

Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars

Wholesome and delicious Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are the perfect solution, offering a delightful and nutritious treat that’s incredibly easy to make. Packed with natural sweetness and satisfying fiber, they’re ideal for breakfast on-the-go, a post-workout refuel, or a healthy afternoon pick-me-up.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups rolled oats (not instant)
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat for added fiber
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ripe to overripe bananas, mashed about 1 cup
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.25 cup melted coconut oil or other neutral oil
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup adjust to sweetness preference
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup chopped nuts or seeds walnuts, pecans, almonds, chia, flax, sunflower
  • 0.5 cup chocolate chips optional

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once they're baked.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure everything is well combined.
    1.5 cups rolled oats (not instant), 0.5 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 0.25 teaspoon salt
  3. In a separate medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are smooth with minimal lumps.
    2 ripe to overripe bananas, mashed
  4. To the mashed bananas, add the unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly blended.
    2 ripe to overripe bananas, mashed, 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce, 0.25 cup melted coconut oil, 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain some texture from the oats.
  6. If you're using them, gently fold in the chopped nuts or seeds and chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
    0.5 cup chopped nuts or seeds, 0.5 cup chocolate chips
  7. Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter evenly into the corners and across the entire surface of the pan.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for them to set properly.
  10. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire baked slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into your desired bar size.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave if desired.