Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delightful and healthy treat made with ripe bananas and oats. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a wholesome dessert, these bars are easy to make and customizable with your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. Add almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in your chosen mix-ins gently.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool for a few minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use well-ripened bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Experiment with mix-ins like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to customize your bars.
• Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the texture light and tender.
• Double the recipe and freeze extras for a quick and healthy snack anytime.

Storage

Store the baked bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will keep well for 2-3 months. To enjoy, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free oats for this recipe?

Yes, using certified gluten-free oats makes this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten without affecting the texture or taste.

Can I substitute the almond milk with something else?

Absolutely! You can use any milk of your choice, including dairy milk or other plant-based alternatives like soy or oat milk.

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat made with ripe bananas and rolled oats, sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast, snack, or dessert, these bars also include warm cinnamon and customizable mix-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the bars evenly.
2. Prep the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper; this will help you lift the bars out easily after baking.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring until fully incorporated but avoiding overmixing. Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
6. Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool for a few minutes in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into nine bars and enjoy.

Notes

• Customize your bars by adding your favorite mix-ins such as seeds, nuts, or dried fruits for texture and flavor variety.
• Use well-ripened bananas for maximum sweetness and moistness in the bars.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and tender.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• To freeze, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag; they keep well for 2-3 months.
• Reheat frozen bars in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, baked oatmeal bars, healthy breakfast bars, snack bars, banana snack, oat bars, easy baked bars