Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars: A Wholesome and Delicious Snack

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and wholesome snack that perfectly balances nutrition and flavor. These bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the hearty goodness of oats, making them a perfect treat for breakfast on the go, a midday energy boost, or a healthy dessert option. They’ve become increasingly popular among those looking for a quick, homemade snack that’s free from artificial ingredients and packed with wholesome goodness.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and versatility. Not only are these bars easy to prepare with just a few staple ingredients, but they also offer great texture — chewy, moist, and satisfying — with the natural banana sweetness providing a lovely contrast to the mild nuttiness of the oats. Plus, this recipe is highly adaptable for various dietary preferences, allowing for the inclusion of nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas (about 240g / 8.5 oz)
• 2 cups rolled oats (about 180g / 6.3 oz)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (60ml / 2 fl oz)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter (60g / 2 oz)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mix-ins like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily remove the bars later.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining for texture.
3. Add the honey or maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until combined into a smooth mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt together until evenly distributed.
5. Combine the dry oat mixture with the wet banana mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a thick batter.
6. If using, fold in your choice of mix-ins like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and press it down gently to compact the mixture slightly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is important as it helps the bars firm up and become easier to cut.
10. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. Cut into 12 equal squares or bars.
11. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
12. Enjoy these bars as a quick snack or breakfast; they pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, yogurt, or fresh fruit.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: Makes 12 bars
• Difficulty: Easy

Tips & Variations

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
• For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your peanut butter is vegan-friendly.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the bars moist and chewy rather than dry.
• Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to add texture and flavor.
• These bars freeze well — wrap individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g

Conclusion

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, homemade snack that fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. Their perfect balance of natural sweetness and hearty texture makes them appealing to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re packing them for school lunches, a post-workout snack, or a quick breakfast, these bars deliver delicious nutrition every time.

Give this recipe a try and experiment with different mix-ins to find your favorite combination. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and tips in the comments below — happy baking!