Description
These banana oatmeal bars are a wholesome and delicious recipe made with simple pantry staples. Perfect for breakfast or a nutritious snack, they combine mashed bananas, nut butter, oats, and chocolate chips to create hearty bars that are naturally sweetened and satisfying.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups mashed bananas (approximately 3 ripe bananas)
- ½ cup nut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly, flattening it into a uniform layer. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the bars look set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars. Cooling ensures the bars hold their shape and improves texture.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and flavor.
- Nut butter of your choice can be peanut, almond, or cashew butter depending on preference.
- For a vegan option, ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for added texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 173 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 82 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
