why make this recipe
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are quick, healthy, and warm. They use simple ingredients you may already have. They make a good snack or a fast breakfast for busy mornings.
introduction
This recipe makes soft bars with real banana flavor and oats. You need only a few steps and a single bowl to mix. If you want another take on this idea, see this Banana Oatmeal Bars recipe at RecipesAtHomes for extra ideas.
how to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
Follow the steps below to mix, bake, and cool the bars. The method is easy and uses no fancy tools.
Ingredients :
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup nut butter (optional)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix in the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and nut butter if using.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy as a snack or breakfast!
how to serve Banana Oatmeal Bars
Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. They go well with yogurt, a glass of milk, or a cup of tea. You can warm them briefly in the microwave for a soft, warm treat.
how to store Banana Oatmeal Bars
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer keep, store in the fridge up to 5 days. Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
tips to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Use ripe bananas for best sweetness and texture.
- Press the mix firmly into the pan so bars hold together.
- Do not overbake; check at 20 minutes for a soft center.
- Swap honey for maple syrup to make it vegan.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries for chew.
- Use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for fall flavor.
- Stir in 1/4 cup protein powder for a higher-protein bar.
- Use almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter as nut butter options.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without nut butter?
A: Yes. Nut butter is optional. The bars still hold if bananas and oats are mixed well.
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: You can, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats give a chewier bar.
Q: Are these gluten free?
A: They can be if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. They mash easily and add more sweetness.
Q: Can I make these in a muffin tin?
A: Yes. Bake a bit less time, about 12-15 minutes, and check for doneness.
Conclusion
If you want a very quick, simple version, this 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars – The Roasted Root shows another easy approach to make similar bars.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces ripe bananas Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness.
- 2 cups rolled oats Rolled oats give a chewier bar; quick oats will be softer.
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup Swap with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Can substitute pumpkin spice for fall flavor.
- 1/4 cup nut butter (optional) Almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter can be used.
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional) Add raisins or dried cranberries for variation.
Instructions
Preparation and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Mix in the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and nut butter if using.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.