Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, naturally sweet snack perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Made with ripe bananas and hearty oats, these bars are easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite mix-ins.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas well. Add almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in your choice of mix-ins gently.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool for a few minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use well-ripened bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Substitute almond milk with any preferred milk or even yogurt for a creamier texture.
• Try different mix-ins like chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds to customize the bars.
• For added protein, stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder with the dry ingredients.

Storage

Store the baked oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat by warming in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or enjoy chilled as a grab-and-go snack.

How to Serve

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 texture will be softer and less chewy compared to rolled oats.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be, if you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure that any added mix-ins are gluten-free as well.

Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

These Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and natural sweeteners, they are easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a hearty, nourishing option that balances sweetness with whole grains and protein.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (3×3 grid from an 8×8 inch pan) 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• a pinch salt

Mix-ins (optional)

• 1/2 cup mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas. Add the almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to evenly distribute all the dry elements.
4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring continuously until the batter is fully combined without any dry patches.
5. Add Mix-ins: If you like, gently fold in your choice of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits to add texture and flavor.
6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared parchment-lined baking pan and spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
7. Baking Process: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bars are ready.
8. Cooling and Serving: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool for several minutes. Using the parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan, slice them into individual portions, and enjoy!

Notes

• Use well-ripened bananas for natural sweetness and better flavor.
• You can substitute almond milk with any dairy or plant-based milk.
• Adjust the sweetness by choosing between honey or maple syrup, or modifying the quantity slightly.
• Mix-ins are optional and customizable to suit dietary preferences or flavor desires.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, baked oatmeal bars, healthy breakfast bars, banana snacks, oat bars, vegetarian snack