Banana Oatmeal Bars
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a comforting and healthy option for breakfast or dessert, featuring ripe bananas, chewy oats, and warm cinnamon flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful the bars.
- 2 cups rolled oats For chewy texture; quick oats can be used in a pinch.
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup Use maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter For moistness and golden edges.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the bars lift slightly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Deepens the aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Classic warm spice.
- 1 pinch salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips Adds indulgence or crunch (optional).
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth and slightly lumpy.
- Stir in the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until everything is glossy.
- Add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined.
- Fold in optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips and press the batter into the prepared pan.
Baking
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out with the parchment and cool completely on a rack before slicing into bars.
Notes
These bars slice more cleanly when fully cooled, so be patient.