Introduction

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and satisfying snack perfect for any time of day. Packed with natural sweetness and chewy texture, they make a great option for breakfast on the go or a nutritious treat.

The image shows a close-up of three square oat bars placed on crinkled brown parchment paper, each bar having a rough texture with visible oat flakes and several dark brown chocolate chips on top. The bars have a golden-brown color with some areas slightly darker due to baking. To the right side of the image, there is a white butter knife with a light pink handle resting on the parchment paper, with traces of melted chocolate on the blade. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down into an even layer. Add extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
Step 4: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the bars are set. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute the nut butter with sunflower seed butter or additional mashed banana.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the bars hold together better after baking.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy cold as a quick snack.

How to Serve

The image shows a square oatmeal chocolate chip bar in the center of a white plate, its top layer rough with visible oat flakes and scattered dark chocolate chips, colors mixing light brown oats with shiny dark brown chocolate. The bar's texture is chewy and dense. A black spoon with a silver scoop lies diagonally on the plate next to the bar. Around the plate, there are several white bowls: one holding loose light tan oats, another filled with dark chocolate chips, and on the top left, a partially cut oat bar on parchment paper with a pink-handled knife resting beside it. All items are set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While rolled oats provide better texture, you can use quick oats if needed. The bars may be slightly softer and less chewy.

Are these bars vegan?

Yes, as long as your nut butter and chocolate chips are vegan, this recipe is completely plant-based.

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

These delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with hearty rolled oats and rich chocolate chips for a wholesome snack or breakfast option. With a blend of nut butter and warm cinnamon, these bars are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and offer a nutritious, energy-boosting treat perfect for any time of day.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Dry Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt

Add-ins

1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a sticky batter.
Transfer and Flatten: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to flatten the mixture into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra sweetness and texture.
Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the bars appear set and firm to the touch.
Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into bars or squares for serving.

Notes

You can substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
Use gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
For a vegan option, ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free and use maple syrup or agave as the sweetener.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months – thaw before serving.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack bars, breakfast bars, baked banana bars, easy oatmeal bars, nut butter bars, chocolate chip bars