Table of Contents
These delightful healthy banana oatmeal bars are like a warm hug in snack form! Packed with ripe bananas, wholesome oats, and a touch of honey, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go or a midday pick-me-up. You can even sneak in some nut butter for extra creaminess or toss in your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a fun twist. They’re chewy, naturally sweet, and oh-so-satisfying—trust me, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand at all times. Let’s whip up some goodness together!
Why You’ll Love This healthy banana oatmeal bars
- Trust me, you’re going to love this guilt-free treat!
- Packed with wholesome ingredients that keep you energized.
- This one’s a game-changer for busy mornings or snack time.
- Easy to make and even easier to customize with your favorite add-ins!
- Perfect for meal prep—grab and go for a healthy boost!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Snack |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 25 minutes |
| Total Time: | 35 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegan, Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 12 bars |
| Best Served: | Room temperature or chilled |
Ingredients For this healthy banana oatmeal bars
- Bananas – a natural sweetener and binder for the bars.
- Oats – the base of the bars, providing fiber and texture.
- Peanut Butter – adds creaminess and healthy fats; can substitute with almond butter.
- Honey – a touch of sweetness; maple syrup works as a vegan alternative.
- Eggs – helps bind the ingredients together; can use flax eggs for a vegan option.
- Baking Powder – gives the bars a light and fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon – adds warmth and flavor; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Vanilla Extract – enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Chopped Nuts – for added crunch and nutrition; walnuts or almonds are great choices.
- Dried Fruits – optional, for extra sweetness and chewiness.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the healthy banana oatmeal bars
Get ready to whip up some delicious healthy banana oatmeal bars with these easy steps!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with a little coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash 2-3 ripe bananas until smooth. This is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce and 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a little lumpiness is okay!
Step 7: Add Optional Mix-Ins
Feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
Step 8: Pour into the Baking Dish
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool in the dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Grab a bar, take a bite, and savor your healthy creation. Snack happy!
Pro Tips for Making the healthy banana oatmeal bars
• Use overripe bananas for natural sweetness and a softer texture.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor and warmth.
• Experiment with mix-ins like nuts or dark chocolate chips for variety.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
How to Serve
- Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Top with fresh berries for a burst of flavor.
- Spread almond butter or peanut butter for extra protein.
- Serve alongside a smoothie for a balanced breakfast.
- Crush them over a bowl of oatmeal for added texture.
- Wrap in parchment for a perfect on-the-go snack.
- Slice into bite-sized pieces for a fun party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
To enjoy your healthy banana oatmeal bars at their best, proper storage is key.
Storing Leftovers
Follow these tips to keep your bars fresh:
- Allow bars to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped bars in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option:
- Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your bars warm:
- Remove bars from the refrigerator or freezer.
- For refrigerated bars, microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- For frozen bars, microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Check for warmth and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they add natural sweetness and moisture, making your bars even more delicious.
Can I substitute the oats with another grain?
Yes, you can use quinoa flakes or ground oats if you prefer a different texture. Just ensure they are gluten-free if needed!
How do I store the healthy banana oatmeal bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week. They also freeze well for longer storage!
Can I add nuts or seeds to the bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition. Just be mindful of the overall texture!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite snack, healthy banana oatmeal bars! They’re not just easy to whip up, but they also bring back those cozy, comforting vibes of home-baked goodness. So grab those ripe bananas and let the kitchen magic begin! Enjoy every chewy, delicious bite, and remember, a guilt-free treat is just a bake away. Happy snacking, friend!
For more other delicious recipes, check out this link !!
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), and peanut butter to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in any optional mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 bars and enjoy!
