Banana oatmeal bars are the kind of snack that satisfies both hunger and cravings. Made with wholesome oats and ripe bananas, these bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweet. Whether you need a healthy breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a quick on-the-go bite, these bars deliver simple comfort and lasting energy. They’re easy to make with pantry staples, and you can customize them with chocolate chips, peanut butter, or dried fruit. If you like banana bread, you’ll love these easy and delicious bars.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
These banana oatmeal bars use simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes. You can also make easy substitutions based on what you have at home.
Dry Ingredients:
• 2 cups rolled oats – Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture
• ½ tsp cinnamon – Adds warm flavor
• ¼ tsp salt – Enhances overall taste
Wet Ingredients:
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed – The base of the bars and natural sweetness
• ½ cup peanut butter – Creamy or natural works well
• ¼ cup maple syrup – Adds light sweetness without refined sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Boosts flavor depth
Optional Add-Ins:
• ½ cup chocolate chips – For a dessert-style bar
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds – Adds crunch and healthy fats
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds – Extra fiber and nutrition
• ¼ cup dried fruit – Raisins or cranberries for added texture
These ingredients make about 12 bars, depending on how you cut them. For best results, line your baking pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily once baked and cooled.
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to make banana oatmeal bars that are soft, chewy, and full of natural flavor.
Step 1: Prep the baking pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to lift the bars easily once baked.
Step 2: Mash the bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth and creamy. This creates the base for your wet ingredients and gives the bars natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated. If using chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them in at this stage.
Step 6: Spread and smooth
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press it down to form a compact, level layer.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Step 8: Cool completely
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.
Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container for later. These bars also freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep or a quick healthy snack on the go.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Bars:
• Use very ripe bananas: The more spots, the better. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, which helps bind the oat bars together.
• Press the mixture firmly: Use a spatula to press the mixture evenly into the baking pan. This ensures the bars stick together well after baking.
• Cool completely before slicing: Letting the bars cool fully helps them firm up. Warm bars may crumble when cut.
• Use parchment paper: Lining the pan with parchment makes it easy to lift the bars and slice cleanly.
• Cut with a sharp knife: For clean, even edges, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts if needed.
Tasty Variations to Try:
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a flavor combo that never fails.
• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
• Added Crunch: Add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for texture and healthy fats.
• Protein Boost: Mix in a tablespoon of chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or a scoop of protein powder.
• Fruit-Sweetened: Use a few tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce along with the banana to reduce the maple syrup.
These bars are flexible and forgiving, so feel free to mix and match your favorite flavors. Whether you’re going for healthy banana oatmeal bars or dessert-like peanut butter banana oatmeal bars, this oatmeal bar recipe is easy to adapt.
Serving Suggestions
These banana oatmeal bars are a great option for more than just breakfast. Their soft, chewy texture and lightly sweet flavor make them perfect for a variety of occasions:
• Healthy breakfast on the go: Pair a bar with your morning coffee or a glass of milk for a quick, balanced start to the day.
• Midday snack: Keep one in your bag for an easy healthy snack during busy afternoons or between meals.
• Lunchbox treat: These bars are kid-friendly and travel well, making them a great addition to school or work lunches.
• Post-workout fuel: Thanks to the natural sugars from ripe bananas and energy-packed oats, these bars are a smart choice after exercise.
• Topped with extras: Warm up a bar and serve it with a spoonful of peanut butter, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.
• Healthy dessert: Add a few chocolate chips and a pinch of sea salt for a dessert-like treat that still feels light and wholesome.
Whether you enjoy them at room temperature, chilled, or slightly warmed, these banana oat bars are a convenient and nourishing choice that fits any time of day.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Rolled oats Old-fashioned preferred
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 Ripe bananas Mashed
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter Creamy or natural
- 1/4 cup Maple syrup Pure
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup Chocolate chips Optional
- 1/4 cup Chopped walnuts or almonds Optional
- 2 tbsp Ground flaxseed or chia seeds Optional
- 1/4 cup Dried fruit Optional, such as raisins or cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Stir until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into 12 bars.
Notes
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Potassium: 210mg
- Vitamin A: 2% DV
- Vitamin C: 4% DV
Conclusion
These banana oatmeal bars are soft, chewy, and packed with real ingredients you can feel good about. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. With simple prep and no fuss, they offer a healthier alternative to store-bought bars without sacrificing taste. Whether you add peanut butter, chocolate chips, or keep them plain and simple, these bars are a great recipe to keep on hand. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them part of your weekly routine.
FAQs
Do banana oat bars need to be refrigerated?
They don’t need to be, but storing them in the fridge helps them stay fresh longer—up to 1 week. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain texture and prevent drying out.
What can I use instead of banana in oat bars?
You can substitute mashed applesauce, pumpkin puree, or sweet potato. These alternatives provide similar moisture and binding, though the flavor will change slightly.
What makes oatmeal bars stick together?
Moist ingredients like mashed bananas, peanut butter, and a sticky sweetener like maple syrup help bind the oats and hold the bars together. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is also important.
Why are my banana bars dry?
They may be overbaked or contain too much dry ingredient compared to the wet. Use ripe bananas and make sure your baking time doesn’t exceed 30 minutes. Also, avoid using quick oats, which absorb more moisture.
How long do oat bars last?
They last up to 4–5 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can you freeze banana oat bars?
Yes. Let the bars cool completely, then wrap each in parchment or plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently to serve.
