Banana Oatmeal Bars
These easy Banana Oatmeal Bars are perfect for meal prep breakfast or healthy snacks. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and peanut butter, they're naturally sweet and incredibly satisfying.
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 large very ripe bananas, mashed about 1 1/2 cups
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth with just tiny lumps remaining.
- Whisk in peanut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla until fully combined and uniform in color.
- Sprinkle cinnamon, baking powder, and salt over wet ingredients and stir briefly to distribute.
- Add rolled oats and fold gently until every oat is shiny and coated with the mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and press down firmly with spatula to eliminate air gaps.
- Bake for 23-26 minutes until edges are golden brown and center feels firm to light touch.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment handles and cool completely before slicing into 12 bars.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for best sweetness and texture
- Press mixture firmly into pan for bars that hold together well
- Cool completely before slicing for cleanest cuts
- Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months
- Substitute flax egg for vegan version: 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water