Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacking Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible banana oatmeal bars make for a healthy and delicious snack that’s easy to prepare. Packed with natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients, they are perfect for breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon treat.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
4. Step 4: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, mix in a handful of chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips before baking.
• Swap honey for maple syrup to make the bars vegan-friendly.
• Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• If you prefer a firmer bar, bake a few extra minutes but watch carefully to prevent drying out.

Storage

Store the banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas are actually best because they are sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the flavor and texture of the bars.

Are these bars suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. These banana oatmeal bars store well and make a convenient grab-and-go snack or breakfast option throughout the week.

Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacking Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

These Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and healthy snack perfect for any time of day. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, they offer a nutritious alternative to traditional sugary snacks. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars are moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (about 3x3-inch squares) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Oatmeal Bars

• 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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the bars evenly.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until smooth to create a natural sweet base and moisture for the bars.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and form a thick batter.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
5. Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula for uniform baking.
6. Bake: Bake the mixture for 25-30 minutes until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the baked bars to cool for at least ten minutes in the dish before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

• You can substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Optional add-ins include chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for variety.
• For crispier edges, bake a few minutes longer, but be careful not to dry out the bars.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked bars, homemade snack, easy baking recipe, natural sweeteners, vegetarian snack