Why Make This Recipe
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and healthy snack that everyone can enjoy. They are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or as a midday treat. With sweet bananas and hearty oats, these bars provide energy to keep you going. Plus, they are great for meal prep, allowing you to have a nutritious option on hand whenever you need it.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
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
Directions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it into a flat, even layer. Feel free to add more chocolate chips on top!
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges of the bars are golden and the bars appear to be set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars
You can serve Banana Oatmeal Bars as a quick breakfast or a snack. They are tasty on their own but can also pair well with a dollop of yogurt or fresh fruit. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat!
How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars
To keep your Banana Oatmeal Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them before enjoying!
Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Experiment with different nut butters, like almond or peanut butter, to find your favorite taste.
- For a crunchier texture, add nuts or seeds to the mixture.
- Cut bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your serving preference.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. You can also mix in seeds such as chia or flaxseeds for added nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and mash them well before using.
Are these bars gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can use less maple syrup or replace it with another sweetener of your choice. Adjust to taste.
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Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas) Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- 0.5 cups nut butter Experiment with different nut butters, like almond or peanut butter.
- 2 cups rolled oats Use certified gluten-free rolled oats for a gluten-free option.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup You can reduce the amount or replace it with another sweetener.
- 1 cup chocolate chips Feel free to add more on top before baking.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it into a flat, even layer.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the bars are set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
