Description
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, naturally sweetened snack perfect for breakfast or a healthy treat. Made with mashed bananas, nut butter, and rolled oats, they offer a chewy texture with bursts of chocolate chips and warm cinnamon flavor. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars are great for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
- ½ cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Transfer the mixture into the lined baking pan and press it down evenly into a flat layer. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra chocolate flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment paper and cutting into 16 bars.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moist texture.
- Nut butter options include peanut, almond, or cashew butter depending on preference.
- For a vegan version, ensure 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.
- Freezing bars for longer storage is possible; thaw before serving.
- You can add nuts or dried fruit to customize the bars.
