Easy Banana Oat Bars Recipe: A Healthy & Delicious Treat

Banana oat bars are the perfect solution for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack. They’re easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and absolutely delicious! My kids gobble them up, and my husband always sneaks a few extra. This recipe for banana oat bars is a family favorite because it’s so adaptable. You can customize them with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips.

Why these Banana Oat Bars are Special

These banana oat bars aren’t just your average oat bar. The secret is using perfectly ripe bananas, which adds natural sweetness and keeps them incredibly moist. Combined with hearty oats, a touch of cinnamon, and a few other simple ingredients, these bars are bursting with flavor. They are a healthier treat that everyone will love. For other healthy snack options, check out this health salad recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. You probably have most of them on hand already! Here’s what you’ll need:

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium) – The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be!
• 2 large eggs – These help bind the ingredients together.
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce – This adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. You can substitute with the same amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that classic vanilla flavor.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) – These give the bars their hearty texture. Quick-cooking oats will work too, but the texture will be slightly different.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – This helps create a softer bar. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bars rise.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Gives a warm, comforting flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
• ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to make delicious banana oat bars.

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This will prevent the bars from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the bars tough. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. If you’re using any add-ins, gently fold them into the batter.

Baking the Bars

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be firm to the touch.
3. Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.

Cooling and Cutting

1. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars. Cooling completely prevents the bars from crumbling when you cut them.
2. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) or cut them directly in the pan. A plastic knife or spatula works best for clean cuts.

Tips and Variations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! If you’re looking for a fun dessert option, try these chocolate chip cheesecake cookies.

Making it Healthier

To reduce the sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. You can also decrease the amount of brown sugar by ¼ cup. For added fiber and nutrients, substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. You can also add a scoop of protein powder to the batter for an extra protein boost. Mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree can be substituted for some of the mashed banana. For more information on healthy baking substitutes, check out this article on healthy baking substitutes.

Adding Flavors

Spice things up with a dash of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger. A teaspoon of almond extract or maple extract can add a delicious twist. For different textures and flavors, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, or even shredded coconut. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking enhances the sweetness.

Troubleshooting

If your bars turn out too dry, try reducing the baking time by a few minutes next time. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for added moisture. If the edges are getting too brown while baking, tent the pan with aluminum foil. For a sticky texture, ensure the bars have cooled completely before cutting. Also, make sure you’ve measured the ingredients accurately, especially the flour.

Gluten-Free Option

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking. You can also use almond flour or oat flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Sometimes, gluten-free baked goods need a little extra moisture, so you might want to add a tablespoon or two of milk or yogurt to the batter. If you enjoy gluten-free baking, you might also like this recipe for easy gluten-free sourdough bread.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about banana oat bars:

What are banana oat bars?

Banana oat bars are a delicious and convenient baked treat. They combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. These bars offer a satisfyingly chewy texture and a delightful flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

How do you make banana oat bars?

Making banana oat bars is simple! You’ll mash ripe bananas and combine them with wet ingredients like eggs and applesauce. Then, mix together dry ingredients like oats, flour, and spices. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, add your favorite mix-ins, and bake until golden brown. For detailed instructions, refer to the step-by-step guide above.

Are banana oat bars healthy?

Banana oat bars can be a healthy choice, especially when made with whole grains and less sugar. Oats are a good source of fiber, which helps with digestion. Bananas provide potassium and vitamins. Adding nuts and seeds boosts the nutritional value even further. To learn more about the health benefits of bananas, visit this informative article.

How do I make banana oat bars without sugar?

You can easily make sugar-free banana oat bars. Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in place of brown sugar. Rely on the natural sweetness of very ripe bananas. You can also add a touch of sweetness with unsweetened applesauce or a few drops of stevia. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference.

Serving and Storing

Here’s how to serve and store your delicious banana oat bars:

Serving Suggestions

These bars are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them as a grab-and-go breakfast or a quick afternoon snack. They’re also a great addition to lunchboxes. For an extra treat, warm them up slightly in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of honey. A cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee makes a perfect pairing. Crumble them over a bowl of berries and yogurt for a healthy parfait. Looking for more breakfast ideas? This easy Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage recipe is a great option!

Storage Instructions

To store leftover banana oat bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for banana oat bars that the whole family will love. They are easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for any occasion. The best part is how easily you can adapt this recipe to your own preferences. Get creative with the add-ins and make it your own. I’d love to hear how your banana oat bars turn out! Share your baking adventures and variations in the comments below. Happy baking!

Print