Description
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a quick, wholesome snack that combines ripe bananas and rolled oats with natural sweeteners for a nutritious and portable treat. Perfect for on-the-go breakfast or an energy boost, these bars offer customizable flavors and can be prepared ahead for convenient meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (natural) or date syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, natural gelling agent)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup plant-based chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds or sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas well until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add your natural sweetener and vanilla extract (natural) to the mashed bananas. Stir until combined and set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and any optional seeds or nuts you want to include.
- Bring it all together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thick but moist.
- Bake your bars: Grease or line a baking pan and spread the batter evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for better natural sweetness and moistness.
- Do not overmix; stir just until combined to keep the bars tender and avoid a dense texture.
- Let bars cool completely to set properly, making them easier to cut and handle.
- Customize texture by adding more oats for a firmer bar or more banana for chewiness.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 to 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana, oatmeal, bars, healthy snack, plant-based, easy recipe, gluten free, portable snack, natural sweetener
