Description
These Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, naturally sweet snack perfect for any time of the day. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and natural nut butter, these bars are easy to prepare and bake, delivering a tasty and nutritious treat with optional chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. This forms the natural base of sweetness and moisture for the bars.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter (or almond butter), maple syrup, and vanilla extract with the mashed bananas. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly until the oats are fully coated and the batter thickens.
- Optional add-ins: If using, gently fold in dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts now for added texture and flavor.
- Press into pan: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or your hands to press it evenly into all corners and smooth the top surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This ensures they set properly and hold their shape before slicing into 9 bars for serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- For a nut-free version, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Customize by adding your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, seeds, or coconut flakes.
- To make the bars vegan, ensure maple syrup and nut butters are plant-based.
