I often whip up my Banana Oatmeal Bar when I need a filling mid-morning boost. I blend ripe mashed bananas, old fashioned oats, lightly beaten eggs, honey, and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon into a wholesome treat. This recipe brings simple pantry ingredients together for a nourishing, satisfying snack.
I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen lately and these banana oatmeal bars totally surprised me. I mashed up 3 ripe bananas and combined them with 2 cups of old fashioned rolled oats, lightly beaten eggs, a touch of honey, and a splash of vanilla extract.
It’s amazing how such simple pantry staples can create something that feels both like a breakfast treat and a healthy snack all in one. The added kick of ground cinnamon mixed with a pinch of salt and a bit of baking soda truly makes these bars stand out.
Sometimes I’ll toss in chopped walnuts or even chocolate chips when I’m feeling extra adventurous. I’ve always been a fan of recipes that celebrate bananas, and this twist on oatmeal bars delivers a satisfying crunch and flavor that stands up well against any traditional granola story.
Give these a try next time you’re in need of a quick, filling bite.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe because the mashed bananas give it a naturally sweet flavor that makes it taste awesome without needing too much extra sugar. I also really appreciate how easy it is to make since I mostly have pantry staples on hand and that means I can whip it up quickly for a snack or breakfast. The oats and cinnamon add a great texture and spice that makes it feel both hearty and satisfying, plus if I toss in walnuts or chocolate chips it gives it a cool crunch. Lastly, I love that it doesn’t take forever to bake, so I can have a warm, tasty treat ready without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- Bananas: Rich in potassium and fiber; they naturally sweeten and moisten the bars.
- Oats: Full of healthy carbs and fiber; they add a chewy texture and lasting energy.
- Eggs: Provide lean protein and act as a binder, giving the bars a soft, unified texture.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness while boosting moisture and flavor throughout.
- Cinnamon: Brings a warm spiced note that enhances the natural ingredients.
- Walnuts (optional): Offer healthy fats and crunch along with omega-3 benefits.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Deliver sweet bursts that contrast nicely with the wholesome mix.
Ingredient Quantities
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl mash the bananas really well until you get a smooth base.
3. Add the lightly beaten eggs, honey, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and stir them into a nice mixture.
4. Stir in the old fashioned rolled oats, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything’s well combined.
5. If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture now.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the edges start to turn golden.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
9. Enjoy your banana oatmeal bars for breakfast or as a tasty snack!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven (make sure its preheated to 350°F)
2. An 8×8 inch baking pan or a pan lined with parchment paper
3. A large bowl for mixing stuff
4. A fork or potato masher to mash the bananas
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients
6. A spatula to mix and spread the batter evenly
7. A knife to cut the bars once they have cooled off
FAQ
Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If u don’t have ripe bananas, try using mashed applesauce or even a bit of mashed pumpkin for a similar texture.
- If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be a great substitute that still gives that natural sweetness.
- Instead of eggs, you can mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to create a flax egg, which works pretty well.
- If you only have quick oats, you can use them, but be sure you adjust the mix because they absorb liquid differently.
- Not a fan of walnuts or chocolate chips? Raisins or dried cranberries offer a nice burst of flavor and chewyness.
Pro Tips
1. Make sure you mash those bananas super well so that every bite is smooth, if there are lumps they can mess up the texture of the whole bar.
2. Don’t overmix the batter when you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can make your bars tough and heavy not soft and chewy.
3. If you’re throwing in walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in so they dont sink to the bottom. This help keeps your add-ins spread out evenly.
4. Let the bars cool in the pan longer after baking because if you cut them while too hot they tend to fall apart and get all crumbly.
Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
My favorite Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven (make sure its preheated to 350°F)
2. An 8×8 inch baking pan or a pan lined with parchment paper
3. A large bowl for mixing stuff
4. A fork or potato masher to mash the bananas
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients
6. A spatula to mix and spread the batter evenly
7. A knife to cut the bars once they have cooled off
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl mash the bananas really well until you get a smooth base.
3. Add the lightly beaten eggs, honey, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and stir them into a nice mixture.
4. Stir in the old fashioned rolled oats, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything’s well combined.
5. If you’re using walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture now.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the edges start to turn golden.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
9. Enjoy your banana oatmeal bars for breakfast or as a tasty snack!