Introduction

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Packed with natural sweetness from bananas and a touch of chocolate, they offer a chewy texture and satisfying flavor that both kids and adults will love.

The image shows a close-up of three square oat bars on crinkled brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each bar has a dense texture with visible oat flakes throughout and large, dark chocolate chips scattered on top. The oat bars are golden brown, with a slightly chewy appearance, and the chocolate chips add darker spots of glossy texture. To the right side of the image is a butter knife with a pale pink handle resting on the parchment, with traces of melted chocolate on the blade. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly into a flat layer. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
Step 4: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the bars are set. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

Use almond or peanut butter for different nutty flavors, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
For added crunch, mix in chopped nuts or seeds along with the oats.
Swap maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if you prefer.
Add a handful of dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, for extra chewiness and sweetness.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

A single square oat chocolate chip bar sits in the center of a white plate, showing a textured top layer of golden oats with dark and milk chocolate chips scattered unevenly. The bar appears soft and chewy with a rough surface. A sleek spoon with a black handle and round silver head rests beside the bar on the plate. Nearby, a round baking tray lined with parchment paper holds more bars with the same oat and chocolate chip texture, a pink-handled knife is placed next to it. Two small white bowls sit close, one filled with light beige rolled oats and the other with round dark chocolate chips. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but the bars may have a softer texture since quick oats absorb liquid faster and break down more during baking.

Are these bars vegan?

Yes, as long as you use a plant-based nut butter and maple syrup instead of honey, these bars are completely vegan.

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 58 reviews

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack made with mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, and chocolate chips. They are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, making for a chewy, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or anytime on-the-go.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Oatmeal Bars Ingredients

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and spread it out evenly, pressing down lightly to create a flat layer. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra chocolatey flavor.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the bars set firmly.
Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out and cutting into squares. This cooling step is important to ensure clean cuts and proper texture.

Notes

You can substitute the nut butter with almond, peanut, or cashew butter depending on preference.
For a vegan version, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked bars, banana snack bars, oatmeal recipes, easy snacks, nut butter bars