Banana Oatmeal Bars

Update : February 1, 2026

Why Make This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a fantastic snack or breakfast option that is both healthy and delicious. They pack a good amount of nutrients and are super easy to make. If you’re looking for a way to use ripe bananas, this is the perfect recipe. Plus, they are great for meal prep, so you can enjoy them throughout the week!

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it into a flat, even layer. Feel free to add more chocolate chips on top!
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges of the bars are golden and the bars appear to be set.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

You can serve Banana Oatmeal Bars as a healthy snack or a quick breakfast. They are delicious on their own, but you can also add toppings like yogurt or fresh fruit. If you have leftovers, you can pack them for lunch or take them on the go.

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

To store Banana Oatmeal Bars, place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before enjoying!

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
You can swap out the nut butter for any nut or seed butter you like.
If you want to add more flavor, consider adding nuts or dried fruits.
Adjust the amount of chocolate chips based on your preference.

Variation

You can easily customize these bars by adding different ingredients. Try adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or seeds like chia or flax for added nutrition and texture.

FAQs

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

2. Are these bars gluten-free?
To make the bars gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and nut butter.

3. How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.