Banana Oatmeal Bars | Healthy & Chewy Breakfast Made Simple

If you’re looking for a wholesome snack or quick breakfast that feels comforting and filling, these banana oatmeal bars are exactly what you need. They’re naturally sweet, free from dairy and eggs, and packed with clean ingredients. With a soft, chewy texture and rich banana flavor, they’re perfect for mornings, school lunches, or anytime you need a nutritious treat. Best of all, they’re easy to make in just one bowl and freeze beautifully for later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are a perfect blend of flavor and function. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas pairs beautifully with hearty oats, creating a satisfying texture. They come together quickly with basic pantry staples, making them ideal for busy schedules. Whether you need a healthy snack on hand or a make-ahead breakfast, this recipe is both reliable and versatile. They also store well, which means you can make a big batch and enjoy them all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into these nourishing banana oatmeal bars and why each ingredient is important:

Ripe Bananas (2, mashed): The key to natural sweetness and moisture. The riper the banana, the better the flavor and texture.

Rolled Oats (1 ½ cups): These give the bars their signature chew and boost the fiber content. Use gluten-free oats if needed.

All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups): Helps bind everything together and adds a soft, structured crumb. A gluten-free blend can be used if preferred.

Almond Butter (½ cup): Adds a rich, creamy base and provides healthy fats, enhancing flavor and keeping the bars moist.

Maple Syrup (2 tbsp): A natural sweetener that complements the banana and brings balance to the bar’s taste.

Organic Sugar (¼ cup): Just a little added sugar to round out the sweetness. Can be adjusted or replaced with an alternative.

Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors in the bar.

Coconut Oil (¼ cup, melted): Keeps the bars soft and adds richness. Other neutral oils like avocado or olive oil can be substituted.

Oat Milk (¼ cup): Helps bring the batter together. Any plant-based milk will work well here.

Baking Powder (1 tsp): Provides lift, ensuring the bars don’t turn out too dense.

Sea Salt (¼ tsp): Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips (¾ cup): Melty chocolate adds a delightful bite to each square. Optional, but highly recommended.

Chopped Walnuts (½ cup): Brings in crunch and healthy fats. Feel free to leave them out or replace with another nut or seed.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Making these bars is simple and doesn’t require any fancy tools. Begin by mashing your bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in your sweeteners, nut butter, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold in the oat milk. Once combined, add the oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts. The batter will be thick and rich.

Spread the mixture evenly into a prepared baking dish and top with a few extra chocolate chips and nuts if you’d like. Bake until golden brown, then let the bars cool completely before slicing. They cut best once cooled, which helps them hold their shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas
   Mash 2 ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth but still slightly chunky.
3. Add Sweeteners and Fats
   Whisk in ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, ½ cup almond butter, ¼ cup melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients
   Stir in 1 ¼ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt until fully incorporated.
5. Pour in Plant Milk
   Add ¼ cup oat milk and stir gently until the batter softens and becomes well mixed.
6. Fold in Oats, Chocolate, and Walnuts
   Gently fold in 1 ½ cups rolled oats, ¾ cup dairy-free chocolate chips, and ½ cup chopped walnuts. Reserve some for topping if desired.
7. Spread into Pan
   Transfer the batter to your lined pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and walnuts over the top.
8. Bake
   Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Slice
   Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Helpful Tips

Use bananas that are fully ripe with brown spots for the best flavor and natural sweetness. If you’re using different types of flour or sweeteners, you may need to slightly adjust the oat milk to get the right batter consistency. Always let the bars cool before slicing — they’ll hold together much better that way. For a lighter version, skip the chocolate chips or use dark chocolate.

Details

Flavor: Balanced banana sweetness with a hint of nut and chocolate
Texture: Moist, chewy center with crisp edges
Occasion: Great for quick breakfasts, snacks, or healthy treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)

You can easily adapt this recipe to your needs. For a nut-free version, replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter and leave out the walnuts. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try using date syrup or coconut sugar in place of cane sugar. Add-ins like shredded coconut, chopped dried fruit, or even a scoop of protein powder can make these bars more customized to your preferences.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	216 kcal
Carbohydrates	23 g
Protein	4 g
Fat	13 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Sugar	10 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	49 mg
Cholesterol	0 mg
Potassium	224 mg
Iron	1 mg
Calcium	78 mg
Vitamin A	19 IU
Vitamin C	1 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are banana oatmeal bars healthy for breakfast or snacks?
Yes. They’re made with nourishing ingredients like oats, bananas, and almond butter, offering a good balance of energy, fiber, and healthy fats.

Can banana oatmeal bars be made without added sugar?
Yes. You can eliminate the added sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a bit of maple syrup.

How do you keep banana oatmeal bars soft and chewy?
Don’t overbake them, and be sure to use very ripe bananas. Cooling them completely before slicing also helps retain their chewy texture.

Can banana oatmeal bars be frozen for later?
Definitely. These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually or store in layers with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking.

Storage Instructions

Keep your banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap each bar individually or stack with parchment paper in between. Store in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or heat slightly before serving.

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Conclusion

Banana oatmeal bars are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy real food on a busy schedule. They’re easy to make, full of whole ingredients, and versatile enough for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. Whether you’re meal prepping or just using up ripe bananas, this recipe is one to keep on repeat. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a household favorite.

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