These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a simple, wholesome snack packed with natural sweetness and hearty texture.
Made with ripe bananas, oats, and almond butter, they’re naturally plant-based, fiber-rich, and full of good fats.
Low in added sugar and quick to prepare, they’re perfect for breakfast, an on-the-go snack, or meal prep, offering satisfying energy anytime.
25-Minute Banana Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- 1 × 9-inch square baking pan (or 8-inch pan as alternative)
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup 120 g creamy almond butter*
- 2 cups 200 g rolled oats
- 1 cup 170 g chocolate chips
Optional Additions:
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup 100 g chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming, line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a little extra to hang over the edges for easy lifting later. If you prefer, an 8-inch pan works as well; just note that the bars will be slightly thicker. Make sure the parchment is smooth, with no wrinkles, to ensure the bars bake evenly.
- Mash the Bananas: Peel your ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the bananas until they are mostly smooth, leaving just a few small chunks for texture. The bananas should be soft and creamy, creating the natural sweetness base for your bars.
- Incorporate Almond Butter: Add the creamy almond butter to the mashed bananas. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes uniform and thick.Make sure the almond butter is fully blended with the bananas to create a smooth, cohesive base that will bind the oats together later.
- Mix in Optional Flavorings (if using): If you’re using vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, or sea salt, add them to the banana-almond mixture now. Stir until evenly distributed. These flavorings will enhance the natural sweetness of the bananas and add depth to the overall taste of your bars.
- Fold in the Oats: Gradually add the rolled oats to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every oat is coated with the banana-almond mixture. This step is crucial for even texture and structure, as the oats provide chewiness and fiber, making the bars hearty and satisfying.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Next, fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the mixture. This not only distributes sweetness and crunch evenly but also ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Transfer to the Baking Pan: Spoon the prepared mixture into your lined baking pan. Using the back of a spatula or a spoon, press it down gently and spread it into an even layer. Smooth the top carefully to ensure uniform thickness, which will help the bars bake evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 18–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the bars appear set in the center. Keep an eye on them starting at the 18-minute mark to prevent over-baking. The goal is a soft, chewy texture rather than a hard, crunchy one.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 20–30 minutes. Cooling is essential, as it helps the bars firm up so they can be sliced cleanly without falling apart.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Place them on a cutting board and cut into 16 even squares or rectangles. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze to enjoy later.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: These bars are delicious on their own, or you can pair them with a dollop of nut butter, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips. They’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a guilt-free dessert.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
- Swap almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if preferred.
- Optional ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, and nuts add extra flavor and texture but can be skipped.
- Chocolate chips are optional; dark or semi-sweet work best for a richer taste.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on oven type; check bars starting at 18 minutes.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Bars
The secret to the perfect Banana Oatmeal Bars is using ripe, soft bananas—they provide natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for added sugar or extra fats.
Gently folding in the oats and chocolate chips rather than overmixing ensures a tender, chewy texture without becoming dense.
For an even richer flavor, lightly toast the oats in a dry skillet for a few minutes before mixing; this brings out their nutty aroma and enhances the overall depth of the bars.
Additionally, letting the bars rest after baking allows flavors to meld and helps them hold together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
These bars are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways.
Serve them for breakfast alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or a glass of plant-based milk for a filling, nutritious start to the day.
They also make a convenient on-the-go snack or a post-workout energy boost.
For dessert, pair them with fresh berries, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a spread of nut butter.
Their natural sweetness and chewy texture make them a crowd-pleasing treat for kids’ lunchboxes, office snacks, or casual gatherings.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
To maintain the soft, chewy texture of your bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, which also slightly firms the bars for easier slicing.
If you want to prepare in advance, these bars freeze exceptionally well: wrap individual slices in parchment paper or store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of nut butter?
Yes! Almond butter can be substituted with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change depending on the nut used, but the texture and consistency remain excellent.
2. Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?
Absolutely. You can omit chocolate chips entirely or replace them with dried fruit, seeds, or even coconut flakes. The bars will still hold together and remain deliciously sweet from the bananas.
3. Are these bars suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are perfect for meal prep. They stay fresh at room temperature for a few days and refrigerate well for up to a week. Freezing individual portions is a great option for longer storage.
4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This makes the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities without affecting taste or texture.
5. How can I make the bars chewier or softer?
For chewier bars, slightly underbake them, checking frequently towards the end of baking. For softer bars, increase the amount of mashed banana or almond butter slightly. Both adjustments help tailor the texture to your preference.
