Introduction

Banana oatmeal bars are a wholesome and delicious snack that’s perfect for breakfast or an on-the-go treat. Made with simple, natural ingredients, these bars are both chewy and satisfying without any added sugar.

A close-up image of a square piece of cake with visible layers. The bottom layer is light brown with a soft, moist texture and nut pieces inside. The top layer is a golden brown crumbly topping with small granules and seeds, giving it a crunchy look. The cake is on a light wooden surface with a white marbled background. In the background, there are two more similar pieces slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Stir in the rolled oats and baking powder until the mixture is evenly combined.
Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 5: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter before baking.
Use gluten-free oats if you want a gluten-free version.
Substitute ripe pears or applesauce for bananas if desired.

Storage

Store banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual bars for up to 3 months. Reheat bars briefly in the microwave before serving if desired.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a square slice of nutty baked good placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The bar has two visible layers: the bottom layer is light brown and grainy with small chunks of nuts inside, while the top layer is a slightly darker golden brown with a rough, crumbly texture, sprinkled with smaller nut pieces. The edges are clean cut, showing the dense and chewy inner texture with some white nut pieces inside. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use old bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas work best as they are sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the flavor and texture of the bars.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make the bars vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 117 reviews

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack or breakfast option made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and natural sweeteners. They are easy to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and provide a nutritious boost with every bite. Perfect for on-the-go or as a healthy treat, these bars combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the hearty texture of oats.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your mixture is ready.
Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth, which will add natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and whisk together until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats and baking powder evenly to ensure consistent leavening and texture.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry oat mixture into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until all ingredients are fully combined into a thick batter.
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease or line a baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
Pour and Spread Mixture: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking and thickness.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bars are set, slightly golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares for serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in cinnamon, nuts, or chocolate chips before baking.
You can substitute rolled oats with gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free version.
Using overripe bananas enhances the natural sweetness and moisture in the bars.
Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: banana bars, oatmeal bars, healthy snack, gluten-free breakfast, easy baking, natural sweetener, homemade bars