Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacking Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible banana oatmeal bars make a perfect healthy snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Combining ripe bananas with wholesome oats and natural sweeteners, they offer a delicious treat you can feel good about anytime.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
4. Step 4: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for at least ten minutes before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture and flavor, stir in a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking.
• Use gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free version of these bars.
• Swap the honey or maple syrup for agave nectar for a different natural sweetener option.

Storage

Store the banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving for a soft, warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas are ideal as they are sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the flavor and texture of the bars.

Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?

You can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) to make the bars vegan-friendly, though the texture may be slightly different.

Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacking Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 89 reviews

These Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla, these bars offer a naturally sweet and satisfying treat that is both nutritious and easy to prepare. Baked to golden perfection, they are great for on-the-go snacking or a healthy dessert option.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (based on 8×8 inch pan, approx. 2×2 inch squares) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the bars evenly.
2. Mash bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, creating a moist base for the bars.
3. Combine ingredients: Add the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and uniform.
4. Prepare baking dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
5. Pour and spread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure uniform thickness for baking.
6. Bake: Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and slice: Let the baked bars cool in the dish for at least ten minutes before slicing them into squares to serve.

Notes

• Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Honey or maple syrup can be adjusted to taste or dietary preference.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits can be mixed in for variety.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure the rolled oats are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked oatmeal bars, easy snack recipe, gluten-free option, vegetarian snack