Banana Oatmeal Bars
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack that combines ripe bananas and rolled oats for a chewy, naturally sweet treat. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces Ripe Bananas Opt for bananas that are heavily speckled and mildly soft for the best natural sweetness. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple overnight.
- 1 cup Rolled Oats Use certified gluten-free oats if you have dietary restrictions. Old-fashioned oats will achieve the best texture.
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Choose fresh ground cinnamon for an aromatic punch. You can also experiment with flavors like nutmeg or ginger.
- 1/4 cup Honey or Maple Syrup For a vegan version, stick with maple syrup. Local honey can also add an earthy flavor.
- 1/2 cup Nuts or Chocolate Chips Feel free to toss in your favorites! Walnuts are great for crunch.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt A touch of salt enhances sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup, salt, and any optional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly into the corners, and press it down firmly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack. Slice into squares.
Notes
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.