Name: Banana Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups rolled oats; 1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter); 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened, these Banana Oatmeal Bars are my go-to for a healthy snack or an easy breakfast. They come together quickly using pantry staples and ripe bananas, and they’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Whether I’m meal-prepping for the week or looking for a guilt-free treat, these bars always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these Banana Oatmeal Bars are both nourishing and satisfying. The sweetness comes entirely from bananas and maple syrup or honey—no refined sugar needed. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to make, and perfect for grab-and-go mornings. Plus, I can make them ahead and store them for days, which makes my life a lot easier during busy weeks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large ripe bananas, mashed

2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth.

Then I add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

I stir in the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to create a thick batter.

If I’m using chocolate chips or chopped nuts, I fold them in at this stage.

I pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.

I bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once done, I let it cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 bars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories per bar: Approximately 140 kcal

Variations

I often switch things up by adding mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or chopped dried dates. For a nut-free version, I use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. If I want a chocolatey boost, I use cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips. And when I’m short on time, I’ve even tried these no-bake by refrigerating the mixture for a few hours after pressing it into the pan.

Storage/Reheating

Once the bars have cooled, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them with parchment paper between layers. They thaw quickly at room temperature or can be warmed in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Related Recipes:

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

I use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the bars will be.

Can I make these bars without peanut butter?

Yes, I substitute any nut or seed butter—like almond butter or sunflower seed butter—depending on allergies or preferences.

Are these bars suitable for vegans?

Absolutely. If I use maple syrup instead of honey, the bars are completely vegan.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, I’ve made them with quick oats, and they still turn out well. The texture will be a little softer, but still delicious.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

I’ve added a scoop of protein powder before with good results. I just make sure to reduce the oats slightly so the mixture doesn’t get too dry.

Conclusion

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are everything I want in a snack—wholesome, easy to make, and customizable. I love that I can whip up a batch with ingredients I already have at home and keep them on hand for the whole week. Whether it’s for breakfast, a midday bite, or a post-workout treat, they’re always a satisfying choice.

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