Why Make This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a great snack for anyone looking for a healthy option. They are easy to make and use simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, they are naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup, making them a delicious treat without refined sugars. Perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a quick snack!

How to Make 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

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it into a flat, even layer. You can add more chocolate chips on top if you like!
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges of the bars are golden and the center appears set.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

These bars can be served as a snack or as a quick breakfast option. Enjoy them as they are, or you can add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts on top for an extra touch. They are also great with a glass of milk or your favorite plant-based milk.

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

To keep your Banana Oatmeal Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them; just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Make sure the bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness.
You can use any nut butter you like, such as almond butter or peanut butter.
Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
To make these bars vegan, ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Variation

If you want to try something different, you can substitute the chocolate chips with dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. You can also experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or allspice to give it a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be different. Rolled oats provide a chewier bite.

2. Is it necessary to use nut butter?
While nut butter adds flavor and richness, you can substitute it with applesauce or mashed avocado for a nut-free version.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.