Banana Oatmeal Bars

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a cozy, wholesome treat made with simple ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and nut butter. They're quick to prepare, adaptable, and perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

1.5 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas) Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture.
½ cup natural nut butter Any creamy peanut butter, almond butter, or another favorite nut butter will bind the bars and add richness.
3 tablespoons maple syrup Adds gentle sweetness and helps the bars hold together; adjust if bananas are very sweet.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Warms the flavor without overpowering the bananas.

Dry Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats Old-fashioned rolled oats give structure; avoid instant oats.
½ teaspoon fine salt Brightens the flavors; use less if nut butter is very salty.
1 cup chocolate chips Semi-sweet or dark chips balance the sweetness; mini chips can be used for even distribution.

Method

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.

Mixing Ingredients

Stir in the nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Add the rolled oats and salt, mixing until just incorporated.
Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Baking

Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan, flattening it into an even layer.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Serving

Slice the bars into squares and serve. They can be enjoyed warm or stored for later.

Notes

These bars are great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Feel free to experiment with add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or spices.