Banana Oatmeal Bars
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that balance health and indulgence with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and rich flavors from nut butter and chocolate chips. Perfect for a snack or breakfast!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups mashed bananas (approximately 3 ripe bananas) Make sure they are very ripe for maximum sweetness.
- 0.5 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or your choice) Feel free to swap with your favorite nut butter.
- 2 cups rolled oats Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Optional: Add nutmeg for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup Can substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or a mix of your favorite toppings) Consider dried fruits or nuts for variety.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to flatten it into an even layer. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
Baking
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the bars are set in the middle.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap individually or use a freezer-safe container.