Description
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a quick, healthy snack packed with natural ingredients and wholesome oats. Perfect for breakfasts on the go or a nourishing afternoon treat, they offer a soft, chewy texture with a natural sweetness that makes them a favorite for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth but still a bit chunky for texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, natural gelling agent, and any optional additions such as chia seeds or nuts. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry elements.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: Add maple syrup (natural) and vanilla extract (natural) to the mashed bananas, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful, moist base.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the banana mixture into the oat mixture and gently fold until just combined, ensuring not to overmix to keep the bars light and tender.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them hold together well and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Press the batter firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure uniform baking.
- Keep a close eye on the bars near the end to prevent dryness.
- Let the bars cool fully to set their texture perfectly.
- Adjust oat coarseness or add nuts to customize chewiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, gluten free, plant based, quick breakfast, nutritious snack, natural sweetness
