Description
Craving a grab-and-go breakfast that’s packed with natural sweetness and wholesome goodness? These banana oatmeal breakfast bars deliver soft, chewy texture like mini banana bread slices using just 4 simple ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, vegan, gluten-free adaptable, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
2 large ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter (smooth, natural)
1/4 cup maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness; skip for less sugar)
2 cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth with few lumps. Stir in nut butter and maple syrup until creamy.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add oats, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine. Fold in your chosen mix-ins evenly.
4. Press into Pan: Transfer batter to prepared pan. Use damp hands or a spatula to press firmly into an even layer, about 1-inch thick.
5. Bake: Bake 25-28 minutes until edges are golden and center feels firm. Avoid overbaking for chewy texture.
6. Cool and Slice: Cool in pan 20 minutes, then lift out and slice into 12 bars. Enjoy warm or store.
Notes
Pro Tip: Press firmly to prevent crumbly bars. Test doneness by pressing center, not with a toothpick.
Storage & Freezing:
Room Temperature: Airtight container up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days; they firm slightly but soften when warmed.
Freezer: Stack in parchment between layers, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge or microwave 20 seconds.
Substitutions:
Vegan: Maple syrup + seed butter.
Nut-free: Sunflower seed butter or oat butter.
Gluten-free: Use certified GF oats.
Lower sugar: Use extra mashed banana instead of syrup.
Protein boost: Stir in 2 tbsp protein powder.
Variations:
Chocolate Lover: Dark chocolate chips + cocoa nibs.
PB&J Style: Peanut butter + raisins.
Tropical Twist: Shredded coconut + dried pineapple.
Nutty Crunch: Chopped walnuts + pumpkin seeds.
Berry Blast: Dried blueberries + lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 0