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Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars


  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
  2. Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth but slightly chunky to maintain texture, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
  3. 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.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon (natural), baking powder, pinch of salt, and natural gelling agent for even distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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