Why Make This Recipe
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a fantastic treat for anyone looking for a healthy snack. They are packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and are full of wholesome ingredients. These bars are not only easy to make but also provide a great source of energy and are perfect for breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack. Plus, they are simple enough to make with kids, making it a fun family activity.
How to Make 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
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.
How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars
You can serve Banana Oatmeal Bars warm or at room temperature. They make a lovely snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also top them with a dollop of yogurt or spread some nut butter for added flavor. They are perfect for lunchboxes or as post-workout fuel.
How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars
To store, place the bars in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them individually for easy grabbing later.
Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Make sure the bananas are ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
- If you want a firmer texture, use less banana or add a little extra oats.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips to customize the bars.
Variation
You can easily change up this recipe by adding different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. You can also substitute half of the rolled oats with whole wheat flour for a different texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw them and mash them well before using.
Q: Can I make these bars vegan?
A: Yes! You can replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) to make them vegan.
Q: What can I do if my bars turn out too dry?
A: If your bars are dry, you might need to adjust the baking time next time. Also, adding a little more honey or an extra banana can help keep them moist.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
Description
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and naturally sweet snack, perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an energy-boosting treat. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and deliciously satisfying.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
Use ripe bananas for optimal sweetness. Customize your bars by mixing in nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for easy snacking later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Keywords: banana bars, oatmeal snack, healthy banana bars