On my earliest mornings in the kitchen, I found joy in creating simple, wholesome recipes that bring families together, just like I share on Eminent Recipes. These oatmeal banana bars are one of those creations — quick, comforting, and naturally sweet. With just a handful of ingredients, they transform ripe bananas and hearty oats into chewy, soft bars perfect for breakfast, snack time, or lunchboxes. Every bite carries the warmth and simplicity I love to bring into every meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These oatmeal banana bars are a family-friendly, quick, and healthy snack you can make in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings or after-school treats, the bars are naturally sweetened by ripe bananas and packed with fiber from old fashioned oats. You can customize them with peanut butter, chocolate chips, or nuts to suit your taste. Their soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible for kids and adults alike, and they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. These bars are also easy to store and freeze, making meal prep stress-free. Enjoy a wholesome, convenient snack that’s quick, delicious, and satisfying — oatmeal banana bars you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for This Recipe
These oatmeal banana bars use simple, healthy ingredients you probably already have at home. Ripe bananas act as the natural sweetener and binder, while oats provide structure and fiber. Optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or seeds make the bars customizable and nutrient-rich. A touch of cinnamon and vanilla enhances flavor without overpowering the wholesome ingredients. Whether you want a simple 3-ingredient bar or a richer 4-ingredient version, these ingredients make it easy to create a soft, chewy, healthy treat.
🛒 Ingredients (for one 8×8-inch pan):
Base Recipe (Healthy & Easy):
2 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter (optional, for richness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
¼ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseed
2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
How to Make This Recipe
Making these oatmeal banana bars is simple, and the process ensures a soft, chewy texture every time. Mash the bananas until smooth, then mix in peanut butter or other optional flavorings for richness. Fold in oats, cinnamon, and baking powder until well combined. Press the mixture into a prepared pan and bake until set and lightly golden. Cooling before slicing ensures bars hold their shape. These oatmeal banana bars are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or lunchboxes, and their wholesome ingredients keep them naturally sweet and satisfying.
🛒 Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
- Stir in oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Fold in optional add-ins.
- Spread mixture evenly in prepared pan and press down.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until lightly golden and set.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Expert Cooking Tips
For the softest oatmeal banana bars, use very ripe bananas — the riper, the sweeter and more moist the bars. Don’t overmix the batter; gently folding ingredients preserves texture. Adjust baking time slightly for thicker or thinner bars. Optional add-ins like nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips can be added for flavor and nutrition. Store bars in an airtight container or freeze for longer shelf life. These oatmeal banana bars are versatile — bake, no-bake, with egg, or vegan — and stay soft, chewy, and naturally sweet every time.
💡 Expert Tips:
• Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix; fold ingredients gently.
• Adjust baking time for thickness preference.
• Add chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor.
• Store in airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Try a no-bake version by chilling instead of baking.
FAQs
Can I make oatmeal banana bars without peanut butter?
Yes, substitute peanut butter with almond butter, yogurt, or applesauce.
Are these bars healthy?
Absolutely — they’re naturally sweet, high in fiber, and made with whole ingredients.
Can I make 3-ingredient oatmeal banana bars?
Yes, simply combine ripe bananas, oats, and peanut butter or another binder.
Can I bake these bars without flour?
Yes, these oatmeal banana bars are naturally flourless using rolled oats.
How long do they last?
Store in an airtight container for 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
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Oatmeal banana bars are the perfect combination of healthy, quick, and customizable. They make breakfast, snacks, or lunchbox treats effortless while keeping flavor and texture soft, chewy, and naturally sweet. Inspired by the easy, family-friendly dishes I share on Eminent Recipes, these bars are ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or meal prep. With simple ingredients and endless customization, oatmeal banana bars will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Oatmeal Banana Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, these oatmeal banana bars are the perfect healthy snack or quick breakfast. Made with ripe bananas and old fashioned oats, they’re easy to customize — add peanut butter, chocolate chips, nuts, or keep them simple for a clean, wholesome treat.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 8×8-inch pan):
Base Recipe (Healthy & Easy):
2 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter (optional, for richness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
¼ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseed
2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in peanut butter, honey (if using), and vanilla.
Add oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix until fully combined. Fold in any optional add-ins.
Step 3: Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and press down firmly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until set and lightly golden on top.
Step 4: Cool & Slice
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Notes
• 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars: Use only bananas, oats, and peanut butter.
• Without Peanut Butter: Replace with applesauce or yogurt.
• No Flour: These bars are naturally flourless.
• With Egg: Add 1 egg for more structure and a softer baked texture.
• No Bake Option: Chill mixture in the fridge for 1–2 hours instead of baking (texture will be softer and denser).
• Storage: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American