Banana Oatmeal Bars
Perfect grab-and-go bars that are sweet, chewy, and made with minimal ingredients, ideal for busy mornings or snacks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas) Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness.
- 0.5 cups nut butter Almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter can be used.
- 2 cups rolled oats Quick oats can be used, but texture will be softer.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan option.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt; stir until evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and press into an even layer; sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if you like.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until edges are golden and the center looks set.
- Let cool completely in the pan, then lift out by the parchment and slice into bars.
Notes
Serve warm in the microwave for a melty chocolate bite. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days, or freeze individually for up to 3 months. Mash bananas ahead and freeze for convenience.