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Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

5.1 from 7 reviews

Delicious and wholesome Banana Oatmeal Bars made with mashed bananas, oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Perfect as a quick breakfast or healthy snack that combines natural sweetness with a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed bananas (from 23 bananas)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups old fashioned oatmeal (or quick oats)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Combine wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, honey, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend these ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
  3. Process oatmeal. Place the old fashioned oatmeal into a food processor and pulse briefly to slightly break down the oats. If you don’t have a food processor, you may substitute with quick oats directly.
  4. Add dry ingredients. Add the processed oatmeal, brown sugar, peanut butter, baking powder, cinnamon, kosher salt, and mini chocolate chips (reserve some to sprinkle on top) to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly using the hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  5. Pour into pan. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
  6. Bake. Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the edges turn golden brown.
  7. Cool. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. After they have cooled, place the pan in the refrigerator for about one hour to let the bars firm up, making them easier to slice and serve.
  8. Serve. Cut the cooled bars into 12 equal slices. For an extra treat, warm a slice slightly and add a light coating of butter before serving.

Notes

  • Old fashioned oats can be substituted with quick oats if desired, but the texture will be slightly different.
  • Using ripe bananas is key to natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Peanut butter can be creamy or chunky based on preference.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, peanut butter bars, breakfast bars, chocolate chip bars, homemade bars