why make this recipe
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a perfect blend of nutrition and taste. They are great for a quick breakfast or a snack on the go. Made with healthy ingredients like bananas and oats, these bars are filled with fiber and energy. Plus, they have a hint of sweetness from the chocolate chips and maple syrup, making them delicious for both kids and adults.
how to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
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
Directions:
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it into a flat, even layer. You can add more chocolate chips on top if you like!
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges of the bars are golden and the bars appear to be set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares or bars.
how to serve Banana Oatmeal Bars
Serve your Banana Oatmeal Bars as a delicious breakfast option or an afternoon snack. They taste great alone, but you can also enjoy them with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or some fresh fruit on the side.
how to store Banana Oatmeal Bars
To keep your Banana Oatmeal Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for about a week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing.
tips to make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor.
- If you want to add some crunch, consider mixing in nuts or seeds.
- For a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of chocolate chips or use dark chocolate.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the mixture the night before and bake it in the morning.
variation
You can customize your Banana Oatmeal Bars by adding different ingredients. Try using dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or switch up the nut butter to almond or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor. You can also add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats give a chewier bite.
2. How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be ripe with plenty of brown spots. This will ensure they are sweet and mash easily.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan as long as you use a plant-based nut butter and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it into a flat, even layer. You can add more chocolate chips on top if you like!
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges of the bars are golden and the bars appear to be set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares or bars.