Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and naturally sweetened snack or breakfast option. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, they offer a chewy texture and comforting flavor. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these bars are perfect for a healthy on-the-go treat or a quick energy boost.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars (depending on slice size) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature for evenly cooked bars.
- Mash Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until the texture is smooth and free of large lumps.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, honey or pure maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a consistent batter.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking during baking.
- Pour Mixture: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and evenly spread it out with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares to set their structure and make handling easier.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with pure maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly if desired.
- For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips before baking.
- 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.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack bars, baked oat bars, natural sweeteners, easy breakfast bars, vegetarian snack