This recipe uses ripe bananas and rolled oats to make soft, sweet bars. You can make them with peanut butter or almond butter. If you like banana bread, you may also like an easy 4-ingredient banana bread that uses similar flavors.
Why make this recipe
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are quick, healthy, and taste good. You use simple ingredients and little time. They work as a snack or a quick breakfast for kids and adults.
How to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
Follow simple steps and mix by hand. You can add chocolate chips or nuts if you want. For a warm side dish, try a recipe for fried bananas as a topping or snack beside the bars.
Ingredients :
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy as a nutritious snack or breakfast!
How to serve Banana Oatmeal Bars
Cut the cooled bars into squares. Serve alone or with a smear of peanut butter, yogurt, or fresh fruit. They work well with milk, coffee, or tea.
How to store Banana Oatmeal Bars
Keep the bars in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw before eating.
Tips to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Use very ripe bananas for more sweetness and better texture.
- Press the mix evenly in the pan so bars bake the same.
- Check after 20 minutes; oven times vary.
- Swap honey for maple syrup to make it vegan (use plant-based butter if you need fully vegan).
Variation
- Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
- Mix in 1/4 cup dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
- Use gluten-free oats to make gluten-free bars.
FAQs
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes. Quick oats work but the texture will be softer.
Q: Can I skip the peanut butter?
A: You can. Use extra banana or 1/4 cup applesauce to bind the mix.
Q: Are these bars freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Wrap bars well and freeze up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make these nut-free?
A: Use sunflower seed butter or more mashed banana instead of peanut or almond butter.
Conclusion
For a similar simple banana oat treat, see this 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars recipe that focuses on very few items. If you like a richer version with peanut butter and chocolate, check out this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars recipe for ideas.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas 2 ripe bananas, mashed Use very ripe bananas for more sweetness and better texture.
- 2 cups 2 cups rolled oats Use gluten-free oats to make gluten-free bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Swap honey for maple syrup to make it vegan.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter Can use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional add-ins
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup chocolate chips For extra flavor.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup chopped nuts Add for extra texture.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins or cranberries) Mix in for added sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Serving
- Cut the cooled bars into squares. Serve alone or with a smear of peanut butter, yogurt, or fresh fruit.
- These bars work well with milk, coffee, or tea.