If you’re looking for a comforting bite that’s both nourishing and absolutely irresistible, let me introduce you to Banana Oatmeal Bars. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the hearty goodness of oats, creamy nut butter, and those signature melty chocolate chips, these bars are just as perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast as they are for a mid-afternoon snack. They come together in one bowl, use simple pantry ingredients, and strike that magical balance of soft, chewy, and just a little bit indulgent without any guilt. Banana Oatmeal Bars are proof that healthy and delicious truly can go hand in hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in these Banana Oatmeal Bars plays an important role, creating big flavor and great texture using only pantry staples. Grab these eight essentials—you probably have them all on hand—and get ready for a bar that’s moist, flavorful, and just sweet enough.
- Bananas: Overripe bananas are best for natural sweetness and a moist, tender crumb.
- Nut butter: Use peanut, almond, or cashew butter for richness and binding power.
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats provide hearty texture—avoid quick oats for best results.
- Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon adds warmth and brings out the banana flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the bars with a lovely, aromatic depth.
- Maple syrup: Adds a natural, comforting sweetness (honey or agave work too).
- Chocolate chips: A cup of chocolate chips makes every bite extra delightful—dark, milk, or dairy-free all work.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang so you can lift the bars out easily after baking. This step is a game-changer for effortless removal and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mash Your Bananas
Peel and mash about three ripe bananas in a large bowl. You’re looking for about 1½ cups—don’t be shy with those speckles and brown spots! The riper, the sweeter, which means a better Banana Oatmeal Bars experience.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the nut butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to your mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth; this is your creamy, flavorful base for the bars.
Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Toss in the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and most of your chocolate chips (save some for topping!). Mix with a sturdy spoon or spatula, making sure the oats are evenly distributed and the mixture is thick but cohesive.
Step 5: Spread and Top
Scrape the bar mixture into your prepared pan and press it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top and gently press them in—it adds bakery-worthy charm and extra chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the Banana Oatmeal Bars are ready when the edges turn golden and the top looks set (a touch firm to the touch). Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean, neat bars.
How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars
Garnishes
Sometimes all you need is a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of cinnamon right after baking to make the flavors pop. Feeling fancy? Drizzle a little melted dark chocolate or a dollop of your favorite nut butter over the bars for extra flair at breakfast or snack time.
Side Dishes
Pair Banana Oatmeal Bars with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of coffee, or even a fruity smoothie for a satisfyingly complete morning or afternoon pick-me-up. For a breakfast spread, offer fresh berries or Greek yogurt on the side—it’s a combo that feels like a treat but still 100 percent wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into mini bites for party platters, or wrapping individual bars in parchment paper for a lunchbox or travel-friendly snack. You can even crumble a bar over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious, nutritious dessert twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Oatmeal Bars keep exceptionally well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need them to last a little longer, store them in the refrigerator and they’ll stay moist and chewy for up to a week—perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts all week long.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Place cooled, cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or pop one in your bag to enjoy later in the day.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey Banana Oatmeal Bar, just pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips get extra melty and the bar becomes irresistibly soft—all the comfort of fresh-baked, anytime you crave it.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You could, but rolled oats provide the ideal chewy texture. Quick oats will make the bars a bit softer and less structured, but if that’s all you have, go ahead—they’ll still taste delicious!
What nut butter works best?
Peanut butter adds a bold, classic taste, while almond or cashew butters bring a subtler flavor and extra creaminess. Use smooth nut butter for the best texture, and feel free to use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Do Banana Oatmeal Bars work with mix-ins?
Absolutely! Add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or even a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking for a personalized twist. Keep the mix-ins to about ½ cup so the bars hold together well.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the pan. The center should look set, not jiggly. If you’re unsure, let them cool a bit; they continue to firm up as they come to room temperature.
Can I make Banana Oatmeal Bars vegan?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free chocolate chips and be sure your nut butter and maple syrup are vegan-friendly. These bars are naturally egg-free and free from dairy outside of the chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hunting for a bar that’s just as satisfying as it is nourishing, these Banana Oatmeal Bars will hit the spot every single time. They’re the kind of easy comfort food you’ll be proud to share. Give them a try—you might just find yourself baking an extra batch for the freezer!
Print
Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whip up these delicious banana oatmeal bars for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
- Transfer to Pan: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Add extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are golden and the bars are set. Let them cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can customize these bars by adding nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
