Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars: A Deliciously Nutritious Treat

There’s something magical about ripe bananas, rolled oats, and a hint of sweetness coming together in perfect harmony. Banana oatmeal bars have quickly become a staple in my household, not just for their delightful flavor but also for their simplicity and health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a quick dessert, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up! Let’s dive into all the reasons you should make these delectable bars today.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Why make banana oatmeal bars, you ask? For starters, they are a health-conscious choice packed with fiber and natural sweetness. They’re budget-friendly, requiring just a handful of affordable ingredients, and they can be on your table in under an hour! Weekend brunch with friends or a quick weekday breakfast, these bars are versatile enough for any occasion.

"These banana oatmeal bars are a game-changer! I made them for my kids, and they devoured them in seconds!" — a happy home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating these banana oatmeal bars is a breeze. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families. You’ll start by mashing ripe bananas and mixing in oats, honey, and a few other key ingredients. It’s as simple as that! With this clear and simple overview, you’ll be ready to tackle the recipe with confidence.

What you’ll need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step. Here’s what you need for these scrumptious banana oatmeal bars:

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup (or adjust to taste)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional substitutes: If you’re looking for alternatives, you can replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan option or swap out the vanilla for almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to get baking? Follow these easy steps for perfect banana oatmeal bars every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
2. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are smooth. This is where the sweetness starts!
3. Add the rolled oats, your choice of sweetener (honey or maple syrup), eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
4. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
7. Allow the bars to cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.

Best Way to Serve

These banana oatmeal bars can be enjoyed in so many ways! Serve them warm from the oven with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor. You could also pair them with a slice of fresh fruit, honey drizzle, or a scoop of nut butter for an extra protein kick.

Keeping Banana Oatmeal Bars Fresh Longer

For easy storage, let the bars cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just cut them into squares, wrap them individually, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.

Expert Advice

To enhance the flavor and nutrition of your banana oatmeal bars, consider adding a handful of nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or chia seeds. If you like a bit of crunch, mix in some dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Not only do these additions provide delightful textures, but they also boost the overall health benefits.

Creative twists

Once you have the base recipe down, the creative possibilities are endless! Try incorporating different fruits such as blueberries or strawberries. You can also experiment with spices by adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor. For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Common Questions

How long do these bars take to prepare?
From start to finish, these bars take about 40 minutes — including baking time.

Can I substitute the eggs?
Absolutely! Flax eggs are a perfect alternative. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens.

Is it safe to eat banana oatmeal bars that have been frozen?
Yes, as long as they are stored properly in airtight containers, frozen banana oatmeal bars are safe to eat for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.

Now that you have all the tools and tips you need, go ahead and whip up a batch of these delicious banana oatmeal bars. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking something wholesome, and don’t forget to share them with your loved ones!

Banana Oatmeal Bars

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• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and nutritious banana oatmeal bars, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add rolled oats, chosen sweetener, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
4. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

For vegan options, substitute honey with agave syrup. Adding nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips can enhance flavor and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

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