I cannot tell you how much I love these Banana Oatmeal Bars! They are not only super easy to make, but they also taste amazing and are a fantastic way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whenever I crave something sweet but healthy, I whip up a batch of these bars. They make for a great on-the-go snack or a quick breakfast option!
What Makes This So Good
- Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup
- Packed with fiber from rolled oats
- Contains healthy fats and protein from eggs
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Smart Swaps:
- For vegan: Replace eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or flax eggs.
- Sugar-free option: Use sugar-free maple syrup or a sugar substitute.
- Gluten-free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Sourcing Tips:
Choose bananas that are very ripe, with a few brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. Look for rolled oats from trusted brands like Bob’s Red Mill or Quaker for consistency.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.
Safety Note: Always use oven mitts while handling hot dishes to avoid burns.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bars warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a smear of peanut butter or a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top!
Storage and Reheat Guidance
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead: These bars are perfect for meal prep. You can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Transport: They make an excellent snack for school lunches or work. Just wrap them individually!
- Re-Crisp: If they get a bit soft, bake them for another 5 minutes in a preheated oven to restore some crispness.
Variations
- Nutty Banana Oatmeal Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Oatmeal Bars: Mix in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips for a indulgent twist.
- Fruit-Filled Banana Oatmeal Bars: Toss in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or blueberries for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw and mash them, and they’ll work perfectly!How can I keep them fresh longer?
To keep them fresh, store them in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.Can I make these without eggs?
Absolutely! Replacing eggs with applesauce or chia seeds can work well in this recipe.
With this simple recipe for Banana Oatmeal Bars, you’re all set for a healthy snack or breakfast option that’s both tasty and nutritious! Happy baking!
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Banana Oatmeal Bars
A delicious and healthy snack made with ripe bananas and rolled oats, perfect for breakfast or on-the-go.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
These bars can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian