Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these bars come together in no time and are super easy to prepare.

Healthy and Filling: Full of nutritious ingredients like oats, bananas, and nut butter, these bars provide a good balance of carbs, fiber, and healthy fats.

Customizable: You can add extra toppings or swap the chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts if you prefer.

Quick and Convenient: Perfect for busy mornings or a midday snack, and they last for days if stored properly.

Naturally Sweetened: The combination of bananas and maple syrup gives these bars just the right amount of sweetness without being overly sugary.

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and flatten it into an even layer. If desired, add extra chocolate chips on top.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the bars have set.

Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 16 bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to swap the chocolate chips for dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, or nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.

Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy, spiced flavor.

Nut Butters: Use almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter to suit your preferences.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing: To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, just microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make these banana oatmeal bars without chocolate chips?

Yes! You can leave out the chocolate chips and add other mix-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or seeds if you’d like.

Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any nut butter of your choice, such as almond, cashew, or peanut butter.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, these bars are naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I make these bars without maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or another liquid sweetener.

How do I know when these bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch in the center. If a toothpick is inserted, it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to boost the protein content of the bars. Just make sure to adjust the liquid ingredients if necessary to maintain the correct consistency.

Can I use ripe bananas?

Yes, ripe bananas are perfect for this recipe! The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars will be.

Can I substitute rolled oats with quick oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the bars might be slightly different. Rolled oats give the bars a heartier texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you’d like to make more bars. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and use a larger baking pan.

Are these banana oatmeal bars suitable for kids?

Yes, these bars are a great option for kids as they’re full of wholesome ingredients and are easy to grab and go.

Conclusion

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a nutritious and delicious option for anyone looking for a quick, wholesome snack or breakfast. With minimal ingredients and a simple preparation, they make the perfect addition to your meal plan. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or packed for later, these bars are sure to keep you full and satisfied throughout the day.

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