Description
These Irresistible Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for breakfast or an on-the-go treat. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and a blend of spices, these bars offer a moist, chewy texture with optional walnuts and chocolate chips for added flavor and crunch. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, they provide a nutritious boost with natural sweetness and fiber-rich ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed to create a uniform dry base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mashed ripe bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended, forming the wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, stirring gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 9 squares for serving.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber and nutrients.
- You can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative and a subtle coconut flavor.
- Swap granulated sugar with honey to introduce natural sweetness and moistness to the bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
