Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack perfect for breakfast or an energy boost during the day. Made with ripe bananas and rolled oats, these bars are naturally sweet and easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• a pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract, then stir until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Fold in your chosen mix-ins gently.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool for a few minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Slice into bars and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding different mix-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to vary the texture and flavor.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
• If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a little extra honey or maple syrup to the batter.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for 2-3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for a few seconds until soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be softer and less chewy compared to rolled oats.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are done.

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 102 reviews

These Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack or breakfast option, combining ripe bananas, rolled oats, and your choice of mix-ins for a naturally sweet and satisfying treat. Perfect for a grab-and-go meal, these bars are easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and customizable to suit your taste.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast/Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed (use well-ripened bananas for best sweetness)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (choose based on preference)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit; customize based on your preference)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly distributed.
4. Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet banana mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. If desired, gently fold in your chosen mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
5. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out to the edges for uniform thickness.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bars are ready.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the baked bars to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Feel free to customize these bars with a variety of mix-ins like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars for 2-3 months. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds before eating to restore softness.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, baked oatmeal bars, healthy snacks, breakfast bars, vegan banana bars, homemade oatmeal bars