Banana Oatmeal Bars
Hola! I’m Emma, and if you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with bold, comforting flavors while still cherishing pantry staples, these Banana Oatmeal Bars are the perfect example. Back in my childhood kitchen, my abuela always showed me how simple ingredients could transform into something special. These flourless oatmeal bars are just that—made with bananas, oats, and nut butter, they’re wholesome, satisfying, and perfect as a healthy breakfast baking recipe or an afternoon pick-me-up. I promise these snacky foods are as easy as they are delicious!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 18 mins | 28 mins | 16 bars | Easy | American | All Year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome pantry staples – You only need bananas, oats, nut butter, and a few extras. Nothing complicated, just real food.
- Naturally flourless – These flourless oatmeal bars are gluten-free, soft, and chewy with no refined flour needed.
- Kid-friendly & mess-free – Perfect for school lunches, meal prep, or quick snacks that don’t require utensils.
- Customizable flavors – Toss in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to keep things exciting each time you bake.
- Healthy but satisfying – Full of fiber and natural sweetness, these banana oatmeal bars feel like a treat but fuel you like a balanced snack.
Soft & Chewy Banana Oatmeal Bars – Healthy Snack Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Made with pantry staples, these flourless Banana Oatmeal Bars are chewy, healthy, and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
- ½ cup nut butter
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
3. Add nut butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir well.
4. Fold in rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping.
6. Transfer mixture into pan and press evenly.
7. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top.
8. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and set.
9. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customize with nuts, dried fruit, or protein powder for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Healthy Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 173
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Ingredients
- 1½ cups mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
- ½ cup nut butter
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Bananas | Use ripe, spotty bananas for natural sweetness. Underripe bananas won’t be as sweet. |
| Nut Butter | Peanut butter gives richness, almond butter makes it lighter, sunflower seed butter keeps it nut-free. |
| Rolled Oats | Stick with old-fashioned oats for the best chewy texture. Quick oats will make them softer. |
| Cinnamon | Adds warmth and flavor depth—don’t skip it! |
| Maple Syrup | Honey or agave can be swapped in if preferred. |
| Chocolate Chips | Dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate all work beautifully. |
| Salt | Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven – Heat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- Mash the bananas – In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
- Mix the wet ingredients – Stir in nut butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until everything is well combined.
- Add dry ingredients – Fold in rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Stir in chocolate chips – Gently mix in chocolate chips, saving a few for sprinkling on top.
- Spread evenly in pan – Transfer mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down into an even layer.
- Bake to perfection – Bake for 18–20 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the bars look set.
- Cool before cutting – Let bars cool completely before slicing into 16 squares. This helps them hold their shape.
Helpful Tips
- Line your pan well with parchment for easy lifting and cutting.
- Let the bars cool fully before slicing; otherwise, they may crumble.
- For sweeter bars, add a few extra tablespoons of maple syrup.
- If you like crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Banana ripeness matters – The sweeter and riper your bananas, the better the flavor.
- Compact the mixture – Press firmly into the pan so bars hold together nicely.
- Don’t overbake – They should look set but still slightly soft in the center when removed.
- Chill before slicing – For neat, bakery-style squares, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting.
Recipe Variations
- Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars – Swap in peanut butter for a classic, creamy flavor.
- Fruit & Nut Oat Bars – Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped almonds for a trail mix twist.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version – Stir cocoa powder into the oats and add dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Protein-Packed Bars – Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for a post-workout snack.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
These banana oatmeal bars are great for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap bars individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars warm with a drizzle of nut butter, or enjoy chilled for a grab-and-go snack. They’re also delicious crumbled over yogurt or paired with a fresh fruit salad.
Pairing Ideas
Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, a glass of cold milk in the afternoon, or even a smoothie for a complete breakfast. They also pair nicely with herbal teas for a calming evening treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to bring back their fresh-from-the-oven softness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these bars nut-free? Yes! Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of nut butter.
Are these banana oatmeal bars gluten-free? If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes, they’re naturally gluten-free.
Can I skip the chocolate chips? Absolutely. Add dried fruit, seeds, or nuts instead for a different flavor.
Do I need to refrigerate them? They last longer when refrigerated, but for short-term storage, room temperature is fine.
Can I double the recipe? Yes! Bake in a 9×13 pan and increase baking time slightly.
Can I add protein powder? Yes, but reduce oats slightly so the bars don’t get too dry.
Do these taste like banana bread? A little! They have the sweetness of banana bread but with a chewy oat texture.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bar | 173 | 4g | 23g | 8g | 3g | 12g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These soft and chewy banana oatmeal bars are the perfect balance of healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast, a healthy dessert, or the best afternoon snacks, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Try them today and enjoy every bite!
