Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Made with ripe bananas and hearty oats, they offer natural sweetness and lasting energy. You can easily customize them with nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with some lumps remaining.
3. Step 3: Stir in the oats and honey or maple syrup until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add in the ground cinnamon and mix thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Fold in any optional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown, then let cool before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Add a handful of dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture and extra sweetness.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together better after baking.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To keep them longer, freeze the bars wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy them chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While quick oats can work, old-fashioned oats provide better texture and structure, helping the bars hold together more firmly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check the packaging to ensure the oats have not been cross-contaminated.

Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, delicious snack made with ripe bananas, oats, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for a quick energy boost, these bars are customizable with optional nuts and dark chocolate chips, combining health and taste in every bite.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of bars.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with some small lumps remaining for texture.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the oats and honey or maple syrup until the mixture is well combined, creating a sticky, cohesive batter.
4. Add Spices: Mix in the ground cinnamon thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the batter.
5. Incorporate Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts and/or dark chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are evenly dispersed.
6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into the lined baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bars are set.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into bars for clean slices and optimal texture.

Notes

• Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better binding.
• Honey and maple syrup can be used interchangeably based on preference or dietary needs.
• Feel free to customize with your choice of nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars make an excellent pre- or post-workout snack for sustained energy.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, baked oatmeal bars, energy bars, homemade snacks, vegetarian snack