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