Introduction

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack perfect for breakfast or an afternoon boost. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a hint of maple syrup, these bars combine hearty oats and rich chocolate chips for a satisfying treat.

The image shows several square oat bars with visible layers of golden-brown baked oats mixed with melted dark chocolate chunks and chips scattered throughout. The texture is rough and chunky, with the oats slightly raised and the chocolate glistening in spots where it has melted and pooled. The bars rest on a crinkled sheet of parchment paper that is laid over a white marbled surface. The bars have uneven edges, giving a homemade feel, and the colors vary from light beige to rich brown with shiny dark spots from the chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and press it down firmly.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars are set and lightly golden on top.
Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

Use almond or peanut butter depending on your preference for a different flavor profile.
Swap chocolate chips for dried fruit or nuts to customize your bars.
For extra texture, toast the oats lightly before mixing them in.
If you want a sweeter bar, increase the maple syrup by 1-2 tablespoons.

Storage

Store the banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slightly in the microwave or enjoy cold as a snack.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of five oatmeal chocolate chip bars arranged on light brown parchment paper, which covers a surface with a white marbled texture. Each bar has one visible layer made mostly of golden brown oats mixed with melted dark chocolate chips that create shiny, soft puddles. The texture is rough and grainy, with oats clearly visible and dispersed evenly. The bars are square-shaped with slightly uneven edges and have a moist, chewy look with some small cracks. 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 will be softer and less chewy.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The bars are gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check the packaging to be sure.

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 97 reviews

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with hearty rolled oats and a hint of cinnamon. Enhanced with nut butter and chocolate chips, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an ideal on-the-go treat or a nutritious breakfast option.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Oatmeal Bars Ingredients

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are combined into a thick batter.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without melting.
Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
Transfer and Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula to form a flat surface.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

You can substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
For a vegan version, ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Storing bars in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
Freeze for longer storage, thawing as needed.
To reduce sugar, you may decrease the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons or omit the chocolate chips.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked oatmeal bars, banana bars, easy breakfast bars, nut butter bars