Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe – Easy, Healthy Snack or Breakfast
Make these irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars with ripe bananas, oats, and natural sweetness. Perfect for healthy snacking or an easy breakfast on the go.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional:
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or dried fruit
- ½ tsp cinnamon or sea salt for flavor depth
Instructions
- Preheat and PrepSet your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly coat with nonstick spray. This ensures easy lift-off later—no crumbs left behind.
- Mash the BananasIn a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if it’s a bit lumpy; that rustic texture actually adds charm.
- Combine the IngredientsAdd the oats, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, baking powder, and vanilla. Stir well until everything’s evenly mixed. If you’re adding nuts, chocolate, or spices, toss them in now.(Tip: Mix until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bars dense instead of chewy.)
- Pour and BakeSpread the batter evenly in your prepared dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top turns golden and the center is set. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery.
- Cool and SliceLet the bars cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before cutting. This helps them firm up and hold their shape perfectly.