Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Breakfast Snack Recipe

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These Banana Oatmeal Bars are soft-baked, naturally sweet, and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or healthy dessert. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and simple pantry staples, they’re gluten-free (if using certified oats), dairy-free, and endlessly customizable.

 The Perfect Make-Ahead Snack Bar

If you’ve got overripe bananas on the counter and a bag of oats in the pantry, you’re just minutes away from one of the easiest and most versatile treats: Banana Oatmeal Bars. These soft, chewy bars are baked like a blondie but with the heartiness of oatmeal and the natural sweetness of bananas.

Think of them as a cross between banana bread and oatmeal cookies—moist, filling, and lightly sweet. Unlike store-bought granola bars, these contain no preservatives, are lower in sugar, and can be customized to suit your dietary needs.

They’re a great choice for breakfast on-the-go, pre- or post-workout fuel, lunchboxes, or a quick after-dinner treat. And best of all? They’re mixed in just one bowl with no mixer required.

Ingredients Overview: What’s in Banana Oatmeal Bars?

Ripe Bananas

  • Naturally sweet and moisture-rich.

  • The riper, the better—black-spotted bananas give the best flavor and texture.

Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats)

  • Provide structure, fiber, and a chewy bite.

  • Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Nut Butter (Optional but Recommended)

  • Adds healthy fats, richness, and protein.

  • Peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.

Sweetener

  • Maple syrup or honey adds a touch of extra sweetness.

  • You can reduce or skip it if your bananas are very ripe.

Egg or Flax Egg

  • Binds the ingredients together. Use a flax egg for a vegan version (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).

Baking Powder

  • Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft, cakey texture.

Cinnamon + Vanilla Extract

  • Adds cozy warmth and flavor depth.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Dark chocolate chips

  • Chopped nuts

  • Dried fruit

  • Coconut flakes

  • Chia seeds or flaxseed

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Soft Banana Oat Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

  1. In a large bowl, mash 2 large ripe bananas until smooth.

  2. Add:

    • 1 egg (or flax egg)

    • ¼ cup maple syrup or honey

    • ¼ cup nut butter

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • Mix until well combined.

  3. Stir in:

    • 1½ cups rolled oats

    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    • ½ tsp baking powder

    • Pinch of salt

  4. Fold in ½ cup add-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, etc.) if using.

Step 3: Bake

  • Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

  • Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.

  • A toothpick should come out mostly clean.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

  • Let the bars cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack.

  • Slice into 9–12 bars.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips for Success:

  • Use very ripe bananas: They should be soft with lots of brown spots for best flavor.

  • Don’t overbake: The bars should stay soft and moist.

  • Cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Flavor Variations:

  • Banana Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup dark chocolate chips.

  • Banana Nut: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.

  • Tropical: Add shredded coconut and dried pineapple bits.

  • High Protein: Mix in 1 scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder and an extra tablespoon of milk or banana to balance moisture.

Dietary Substitutions:

  • Vegan: Use a flax egg and maple syrup instead of honey.

  • Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or skip nut butter.

  • No Sweetener: Omit maple syrup if using very ripe bananas or prefer low sugar.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Banana oatmeal bars are incredibly versatile and fit any time of day:

  • Breakfast on-the-go

  • Kids’ lunchboxes

  • Afternoon snacks

  • Post-workout recovery fuel

  • Healthy dessert with tea or coffee

You can warm them up and spread with a little nut butter, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey.

Nutritional & Health Notes

These bars are nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened, and full of fiber and slow-digesting carbs.

Approximate Nutrition (1 of 9 bars):

  • Calories: 160–180

  • Carbs: 20–22g

  • Protein: 4–6g (depending on add-ins)

  • Fat: 6–8g

  • Fiber: 3–4g

Highlights:

  • No refined sugar

  • Naturally gluten-free (with certified oats)

  • Good source of fiber and potassium

  • Easy to freeze and reheat

For lower sugar, reduce sweetener or use unsweetened add-ins.

FAQ: Banana Oatmeal Bars

1. Can I make these bars without eggs?

Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins). Works great for vegan versions.

2. Can I freeze banana oatmeal bars?

Absolutely. Once cooled, wrap individually or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 20–30 seconds.

3. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be a bit softer and less chewy. Avoid steel-cut oats.

4. Are they sweet enough without maple syrup?

If your bananas are very ripe, yes. You can omit the syrup or use less. Taste the batter before baking.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time to about 30–35 minutes.

6. How long do they last?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

7. Can I make these high-protein?

Yes. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder and an extra tablespoon of mashed banana or milk to maintain moisture.

Tasty Recipes Card (Plain Text Format)

Description:
Soft, naturally sweet banana oatmeal bars perfect for breakfast or snacking. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and customizable add-ins—gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

  • 1 egg or flax egg

  • ¼ cup maple syrup or honey

  • ¼ cup nut butter (optional)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1½ cups rolled oats

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • Pinch of salt

  • ½ cup add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, etc.)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8″ pan with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, mash bananas. Add egg, maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla. Stir well.

  3. Add oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt. Mix until combined.

  4. Fold in add-ins if using. Spread into pan.

  5. Bake 22–28 mins, until set and golden. Cool, then slice into bars.

Notes:

  • Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.

  • Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 2 months.

  • Customize with your favorite mix-ins.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Yield: 9–12 bars

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