Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack or Breakfast

Hey there! If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to start your day, these Banana Oatmeal Bars are just the ticket. I remember when my son, Jake, was little, he would always ask for a snack before school. These bars became our go-to solution, combining sweetness with healthiness in a way that made us both happy.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re super easy to make and perfect for busy mornings.
• You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins.
• They’re a hit with kids and adults alike.

Pure Comfort

These bars are like a warm hug in snack form. They’re chewy, sweet, and just the right amount of hearty, making them a perfect pick-me-up anytime.

What You Need

• 2 2 ripe bananas, mashed – Choose ones with brown spots for extra sweetness.
• 1 1 cup rolled oats – Use gluten-free oats if needed.
• 4 oz 1/2 cup almond butter – Peanut butter works too!
• 3 oz 1/4 cup honey – Maple syrup can be used as a vegan option.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the bars rise a bit.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp cinnamon – For warmth and spice.
• 1.5 oz 1/4 cup chocolate chips – Optional, but who can resist chocolate?

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures your bars bake evenly and come out nice and golden.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You want them to be creamy with no lumps, which makes for a great texture in the bars.
3. Add in the almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looks like a thick batter.
4. Next, mix in the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky, perfect for holding together.
5. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
7. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set up nicely before you cut them.
8. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares. They’re best enjoyed warm but are great at room temperature too.

Make It Perfect

• For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
• Feel free to add in nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.

Mix It Up

• Try adding a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Swap out the chocolate chips for dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity flavor.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein.
• Pair with a fresh fruit smoothie for a complete breakfast.

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FAQs

Conclusion

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a fantastic option for anyone looking for healthy to go breakfast ideas. They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for the whole family. Give them a try and enjoy a sweet treat that’s actually good for you!

Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack or Breakfast

These Banana Oatmeal Bars combine ripe bananas, oats, almond butter, and honey into a chewy, sweet, and hearty treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. They are easy to make, customizable, and enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowl
• Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 ripe bananas mashed, choose ones with brown spots for extra sweetness
• 1 cup rolled oats use gluten-free oats if needed
• 1/2 cup almond butter peanut butter works too
• 1/4 cup honey maple syrup can be used as vegan option
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract adds aroma and flavor
• 1/2 tsp baking powder helps bars rise
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon for warmth and spice
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 °F.
• In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
• Add almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
• Mix in rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and chocolate chips until thick and sticky.
• Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
• Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
• Bake for about 25 minutes until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Keyword banana, bars, breakfast, Healthy, Oatmeal, snack