Description
Banana Oatmeal Bars combine ripe bananas, hearty old-fashioned oats, and warm cinnamon to create a wholesome, energizing breakfast or snack that is simple to make and perfect for busy mornings. These bars are naturally sweetened, portable, and customizable, providing a nutritious start to your day or an on-the-go treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds (chia, flax, or nuts)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (plant-based)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- Almond or peanut butter for swirling on top
- Additional spices such as cardamom or nutmeg (natural)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth but slightly chunky to maintain texture, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add maple syrup (natural), melted plant-based butter, and vanilla extract (natural) to the mashed bananas and stir until fully blended into a smooth mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon (natural), baking powder, pinch of salt, and natural gelling agent for even distribution.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the dry mix into the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Fold in any optional nuts, seeds, or dried fruit now.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure they firm up perfectly and hold together without crumbling.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for better sweetness and binding.
- Measure oats precisely to avoid bars becoming too dry or too moist.
- Do not over-bake to maintain a soft, moist interior with a golden crust.
- Line your pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat for smooth removal and tidy edges.
- Add mix-ins gently at the end to preserve the bars’ delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy breakfast bars, portable snack, plant-based, gluten-free, natural sweetness, cinnamon, quick breakfast