If you’re searching for a snack that strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, look no further than Banana Oatmeal Bars. These golden bars bring together sweet, ripe bananas, hearty oats, and melty chocolate chips for a delightful treat that’s as satisfying at breakfast as it is for an afternoon pick-me-up. Every bite is chewy, naturally sweet, and absolutely brimming with goodness. Whether you’re prepping snacks for little ones or want something nourishing for busy mornings, these Banana Oatmeal Bars are about to become your new favorite recipe.

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about these bars is how you only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, but each one truly matters. From the creamy nut butter to the warm cinnamon and sweet maple syrup, every ingredient brings its own special touch, making these Banana Oatmeal Bars irresistibly good.

Mashed Bananas: Make sure your bananas are nice and ripe – they not only add natural sweetness and moisture but also help bind everything together.
Nut Butter: Any variety works here, whether it’s crunchy peanut butter or smooth almond butter – it gives the bars richness and helps them hold their shape.
Rolled Oats: Classic old-fashioned oats give the bars their chewy, rustic texture; avoid quick oats for the best results.
Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon of this cozy spice goes a long way in adding warmth and depth.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla pulls all the flavors together and provides extra aroma.
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener adds a lovely caramel flavor and just enough sweetness – you can swap it for honey if you like.
Chocolate Chips: They melt into gooey pockets throughout the bars, making every bite a treat; use dairy-free chips if you want these to be vegan.
Salt: Don’t skip this! It highlights all the flavors and ensures the bars aren’t too sweet.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350F, so it’s ready for baking as soon as your bars are assembled. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang at the sides for easy lifting – this makes clean-up easier and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, add your mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Get in there with a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon and give everything a good stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined. The bananas and nut butter form a soft base, while the oats and chocolate chips create lots of texture.

Step 3: Spread and Flatten

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it into an even, flat layer. For an extra chocolatey top, scatter a handful more chocolate chips over the surface and lightly press them in.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and set bars that feel firm to the touch in the center. The aroma of baking bananas and melted chocolate will fill your kitchen and might just draw the family in!

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Patience pays off! Let the Banana Oatmeal Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This ensures clean slices and bars that hold together. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment, place them on a cutting board, and cut into your preferred size – 16 squares for snack-sized bars is perfect.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

Garnishes

A drizzle of extra nut butter or a dusting of cinnamon take these bars to the next level. If you want a little crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or even a hint of sea salt on top just before serving for the ultimate flavor burst.

Side Dishes

Pair your Banana Oatmeal Bars with a creamy Greek yogurt or fresh-cut fruit for a hearty breakfast. They’re also perfect alongside your favorite smoothie or a hot cup of coffee for an energizing snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for kids’ lunchboxes or party platters. For a special dessert, warm a bar and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. Get creative and turn these Banana Oatmeal Bars into an eye-catching centerpiece for brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the bars are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay soft and chewy and will be just as delicious on day three as they are fresh.

Freezing

Banana Oatmeal Bars freeze beautifully! Arrange the bars between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze them for up to 2 months – just grab one whenever you need a quick snack or easy breakfast.

Reheating

If you love that gooey, just-baked taste, pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds straight from the fridge or freezer. The chocolate chips will melt a little, and the aromas of banana and cinnamon come right back to life!

FAQs

Can I make Banana Oatmeal Bars gluten free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats, and these bars will be a perfect fit for anyone avoiding gluten.

Which nut butter works best for these bars?

You can use any nut or seed butter you love. Peanut butter adds a classic flavor, while almond or cashew butter offers a milder, rich taste. Even sunflower seed butter works well for a nut-free option.

Do Banana Oatmeal Bars work without chocolate chips?

Definitely! If you prefer, you can leave out the chocolate chips or swap them for nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate. The bars are deliciously customizable.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish or double up two pans. Keep an eye on the baking time and adjust as needed – they may need a few extra minutes to bake through.

Are Banana Oatmeal Bars suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?

They’re perfect for kids! These bars are naturally sweetened, easy to hold, and mess-free, making them a fantastic addition to lunchboxes or as an after-school snack.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Banana Oatmeal Bars in your own kitchen. They’re simple, hearty, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Bake a batch, share with friends and family, and see just how quickly they disappear!

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.2 from 19 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delicious banana oatmeal bars are a delightful blend of mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, and chocolate chips, creating a nutritious and satisfying treat perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Ingredients

Mashed Bananas

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)

Nut Butter

½ cup nut butter

Rolled Oats

2 cups rolled oats

Cinnamon

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Vanilla Extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple Syrup

3 tablespoons maple syrup

Chocolate Chips

1 cup chocolate chips

Salt

½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat 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 in the prepared baking pan. Optionally, sprinkle more chocolate chips on top.
Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges are golden and the bars are set. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Healthy