Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth with some small lumps remaining for texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the oats and honey or maple syrup until the mixture is well combined, creating a sticky, cohesive batter.
- Add Spices: Mix in the ground cinnamon thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the batter.
- Incorporate Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts and/or dark chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are evenly dispersed.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into the lined baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bars are set.
- 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
