25-Minute Banana Oatmeal Bars
Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, these Banana Oatmeal Bars are a quick, healthy snack or breakfast. Made with just ripe bananas, oats, almond butter, and chocolate chips, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep. Each bar is rich in fiber and plant-based protein, providing energy and satisfaction anytime.
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.
