Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Breakfast Snack to Keep You Full

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Healthy Breakfast or Snack | No Refined Sugar | Freezer-Friendly

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, naturally sweet, and made with wholesome pantry ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast, an after-school snack, or something to satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt—this recipe has your back.

Made with ripe bananas, oats, and optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, these bars are easy to customize. They’re also egg-free, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free—perfect for meal prep and freezer storage.

Ingredients Overview: What Makes Banana Oatmeal Bars So Good?

Let’s break down what makes this recipe both nutritious and delicious. These bars are made with simple, nourishing ingredients:

1. Ripe Bananas

  • Naturally sweeten the bars—no refined sugar needed.

  • The riper the banana, the sweeter the result.

  • Acts as a binder (especially important in egg-free versions).

2. Rolled Oats

  • Heart-healthy and full of fiber.

  • Provide a chewy texture and complex carbohydrates.

  • Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

3. Nut Butter (Almond, Peanut, or Sunflower)

  • Adds richness, protein, and helps bind the bars.

  • Choose natural, unsweetened versions for cleaner nutrition.

4. Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional)

  • Boosts sweetness if your bananas aren’t super ripe.

  • Use only if you prefer a sweeter bar.

5. Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract

  • Warm, cozy flavor enhancers that complement banana beautifully.

6. Baking Powder

  • Gives the bars a slightly lifted, cakier texture.

  • Optional, but helps keep them light.

7. Add-ins (Optional but Delicious)

  • Chocolate chips

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans

  • Dried cranberries or raisins

  • Coconut flakes

  • Chia seeds or ground flax

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

This is a true one-bowl recipe. Easy cleanup, no mixer required, and done in 30 minutes flat.

1. Prep the Oven and Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mash the Bananas

  • In a large bowl, mash 2–3 very ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed).

  • The bananas should be soft and speckled for best flavor and texture.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in:

    • ½ cup nut butter

    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

  • Add:

    • 2 cups rolled oats

    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

    • 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional)

    • Pinch of salt

Mix until combined. The mixture will be thick.

5. Fold in Add-Ins

  • Stir in up to ½ cup total of any optional ingredients like:

    • Mini chocolate chips

    • Chopped nuts

    • Dried fruit

6. Bake the Bars

  • Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.

  • Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool and Slice

  • Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

  • Cut into 9–12 squares or rectangles.

Variations, Substitutions, and Pro Tips

These banana oatmeal bars are incredibly adaptable. Here’s how to make them your own:

Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free

  • Skip the maple syrup if using overripe bananas.

  • Use sugar-free chocolate chips or skip add-ins entirely.

Nut-Free

  • Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of nut butter.

  • Skip nuts in the add-ins.

Gluten-Free

  • Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

Protein Boost

  • Add 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds or a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder.

  • May need an extra splash of almond milk if using protein powder.

Kid-Friendly Version

  • Add mini chocolate chips and serve in lunchboxes.

  • Use cookie cutters to cut into fun shapes after cooling.

Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container:

    • 4 days at room temp

    • 7 days in the fridge

    • 3 months in the freezer (wrap individually for easy defrosting)

Serving Ideas & Best Occasions

These bars are perfect for:

  • Quick breakfasts on rushed mornings

  • Healthy snacks after school or work

  • Meal prepping for the week

  • Post-workout fuel paired with Greek yogurt

  • Lunchboxes for kids and adults

  • Baby-led weaning (omit sweetener and nuts for toddlers)

Serve them with:

  • A side of fruit

  • A protein smoothie

  • A drizzle of almond butter

  • A dollop of Greek yogurt

Nutritional Highlights

Each bar (based on 9 servings, no chocolate chips) contains roughly:

  • Calories: 170–190

  • Protein: 5–7g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 6–8g (natural)

  • Fat: 8–10g

Health Benefits:

  • Bananas offer potassium and natural sweetness.

  • Oats support heart and gut health.

  • Nut butter provides healthy fats and protein.

  • Naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free.

These bars are a nutrient-dense alternative to store-bought granola bars—made with whole ingredients and no preservatives.

FAQ: Banana Oatmeal Bars

1. Can I make these bars without nut butter?

Yes. You can substitute with seed butter (like sunflower seed butter) or mashed avocado or Greek yogurt—but texture and taste will vary slightly.

2. Can I make them oil-free?

Absolutely. This recipe contains no added oil and doesn’t need it thanks to the nut butter and banana.

3. Do I need eggs?

No eggs required! The mashed banana binds everything together. If you want extra structure, you can add a flax egg.

4. Can I blend the oats?

Yes. Blending some or all of the oats into oat flour will give you a smoother, more cake-like texture.

5. How do I make them more indulgent?

Add dark chocolate chips, swirl in peanut butter on top before baking, or drizzle with a glaze after cooling.

6. Can toddlers and babies eat these?

Yes, with a few changes. Skip sweeteners, nuts, and chocolate. Cut into small pieces. Always consult with your pediatrician for age readiness.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake 5–10 minutes longer, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

Tasty Recipes Card (Plain Text Format)

Description:
Soft, chewy banana oatmeal bars made with wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and nut butter. Naturally sweetened, freezer-friendly, and great for breakfast or snacks.

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 ripe bananas (1 cup mashed)

  • ½ cup almond or peanut butter

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 cups rolled oats

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp baking powder (optional)

  • Pinch of salt

  • ½ cup optional add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, fruit)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment.

  2. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add nut butter, syrup, and vanilla; mix.

  3. Add oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

  4. Fold in optional add-ins.

  5. Spread into pan. Bake 22–25 minutes, until golden.

  6. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes:

  • Use overripe bananas for best sweetness.

  • Store in fridge or freezer for meal prep.

  • Make it nut-free with sunflower seed butter.

  • Add protein powder or flaxseed for a nutrition boost.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Yield: 9–12 bars

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