Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacking Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible banana oatmeal bars are a perfect healthy snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With natural sweetness from ripe bananas and honey, they’re great for any time you need a quick energy boost.

The image shows a close-up of a square nut bar resting on a smooth wooden board with two more nut bars blurred in the background. The nut bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a dense, light brown base with a slightly grainy texture; the middle layer is filled with a mix of chopped nuts and whole cashews, giving it a chunky and uneven surface with various shades of brown and cream; the top layer is a thin, crumbly coating sprinkled with finely chopped nuts that add a rough texture and a darker brown color. The background features a white marbled texture, making the nut bars stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, try mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking.
  • Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan alternative.
  • If you prefer a firmer bar, bake a few minutes longer, but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired. They also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of two square oat bars stacked on a light wooden board, showing a dense texture filled with visible oats, mixed nuts, and pieces of dried fruit. The bars have a rough, crumbly surface with a light brown color and some darker nut pieces scattered throughout. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used but the texture may be softer. Rolled oats give a chewier bite.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Print

Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacking Recipe

These Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack, perfect for a quick energy boost. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, they combine wholesome ingredients with simple baking to create soft, flavorful bars that are both nutritious and satisfying.

  • Author: Lena
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 bars (based on cutting into 3x3 squares) 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Oatmeal Bars 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. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you place the bars inside.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth to create the moist base for the bars.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined for a uniform mixture.
  4. Prepare the baking dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
  5. Pour and spread: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the bars turn golden brown.
  7. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing them into squares for serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option (omit eggs to make vegan and replace with flax eggs).
  • Make sure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and best flavor.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Optional add-ins include nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked banana bars, easy snack recipe, oatmeal bars, wholesome snack

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