Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacking Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible banana oatmeal bars make for a nutritious and satisfying snack. Packed with natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
4. Step 4: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, fold in a handful of chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips before baking.
• Use gluten-free oats to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Swap honey for maple syrup to keep the bars vegan.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas?

Yes, overripe bananas work perfectly as they mash easily and add natural sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the bars.

Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?

They can be, if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid any cross-contamination.

Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacking Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

These Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for a healthy treat any time of day. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, these bars are easy to prepare and bake into a golden, soft, and chewy delight. Packed with natural ingredients and free from refined sugars, they make a nutritious option for breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon pick-me-up.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Oatmeal Bars Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the bars evenly.
2. Mash the bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they become smooth and creamy, forming the base of the batter.
3. Combine ingredients: Add the rolled oats, honey or pure maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract into the bowl with mashed bananas. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a uniform mixture.
4. Prepare the baking dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish lightly with oil or butter, or alternatively, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
5. Spread the batter: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula, creating a smooth surface for uniform baking.
6. Bake the bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and slice: Allow the baked bars to cool for at least ten minutes in the dish to set properly. Once cooled, slice them into squares and serve.

Notes

• Choose very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• You can substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a vegan option.
• For added texture and nutrition, consider mixing in nuts or dried fruits, but this will alter the nutrition information.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked banana bars, easy oatmeal bars, natural sweeteners, vegetarian snack