Banana Oatmeal Bars

why make this recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a great snack for everyone. They are easy to make and have a nice balance of flavors from the oats, bananas, and chocolate. These bars are not only delicious but also healthy, thanks to the wholesome ingredients. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. Plus, they can be made in advance and stored for later, making them a convenient option for busy days.

how to make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 ripe bananas (approx 1 cup mashed)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or runny is best)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (can sub honey)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder together.
3. In another bowl, mash the bananas, then add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Add the chocolate chips and mix.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Let the bars cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the pan and slicing.

how to serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

You can serve these bars as they are or warm them slightly. They taste great on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, add a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey on top.

how to store Banana Oatmeal Bars

To store Banana Oatmeal Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing.

tips to make Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
• If you don’t have maple syrup, honey makes a great substitute.
• Feel free to mix in other ingredients like nuts or dried fruits if you want to change the flavor.

variation

You can customize banana oatmeal bars by adding nuts, seeds, or different types of fruits. For example, try adding walnuts or almond slices for extra crunch. You could also replace the chocolate chips with dried cranberries or raisins for a different sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be different. Rolled oats give the bars a heartier texture.

2. Are these bars gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free rolled oats, then yes, these bars can be gluten-free.

3. Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter, sunflower butter, or any nut butter of your choice to suit your taste or dietary needs.