Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars: A Wholesome Delight for the Whole Family!

Are you ready to dive into a delightful new treat that’s not only delicious but also healthy? Meet Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars! These bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a nutritious snack, or even a dessert that won’t feel like a guilty pleasure. Made with ripe bananas, hearty oats, and a touch of sweetness, they are a hit with kids and adults alike. Fun fact: Did you know that oatmeal has been celebrated for centuries not just for its flavor, but also for its health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and providing long-lasting energy? Quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars are a fantastic way to start your day or refuel after an afternoon of activities. If you love our other popular treats like the Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re going to adore these bars too! So roll up your sleeves and let’s make something exciting together — you won’t regret it!

What are Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars?

Now you might be wondering, what exactly are Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars? Well, imagine your favorite oatmeal, transformed into a chewy, delicious bar that you can take anywhere! It’s a name that might leave you curious and maybe even a little hungry, right? These bars are a delightful blend of mashed bananas and oats, baked to perfection and seasoned to satisfy your sweet tooth. The story behind the name is just as fun—bananas are packed with potassium and can turn any ordinary recipe into something extraordinary. As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and these bars will definitely win some hearts! So why not whip up a batch and see for yourself?

Why You’ll Love This Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

There are three standout reasons to fall in love with these Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars. First, their main highlight is their incredible mix of flavors and textures. Imagine the soft, moist chew of oats, combined with sweet, ripe banana—pure bliss! Secondly, making these bars at home saves you money compared to store-bought snacks, and let’s face it, they taste way better too! Lastly, you can easily customize them with delicious toppings such as nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to make them uniquely yours. If you’re in the mood for another healthy treat, check out our Berry Protein Smoothie! Like the smoothie, these bars are beloved for their simplicity and soul-satisfying goodness, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your own batch!

How to Make Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

Quick Overview

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are an easy, wholesome treat that requires minimal time and ingredients. Prepping this recipe takes about 10 minutes, while baking time is around 25 minutes, allowing you to indulge in these delicious bars in no time!

Key Ingredients for Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

• 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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prep the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. Add almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
5. Combine Everything: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. If you’re using mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the batter gently.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool & Slice: Let them cool for a few minutes before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into bars and enjoy!

What to Serve Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars With

To complement your Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars, consider pairing them with a refreshing fruit smoothie or a cup of yogurt topped with berries. If you want something heartier, serve them alongside a warm cup of chai or cappuccino. These snacks are versatile and can easily transition from breakfast to afternoon snacks or even dessert!

Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Customize: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins! Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for a fun twist.
• Ripeness Matters: Make sure your bananas are well-ripened for the best sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined to keep the texture inviting.
• Storage: If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully, so feel free to double the batch!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them; wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last about 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few seconds, and they’re ready to enjoy again!

Now that you know all about Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars, it’s time to get cooking! Easy and delicious, you’ll find these bars quickly become a new favorite in your home. So grab those bananas and oats, and let’s get baking!

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

A delightful and healthy treat made with ripe bananas and oats, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

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 salt
• 1/2 cup mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit) Customize based on your preference.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. Add almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. In another bowl, mix rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. If using mix-ins, fold them in gently.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Baking

1. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooling

1. Let them cool for a few minutes before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

Customize with different mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.