Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Introduction
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for breakfast or an energy boost any time of the day. Made with simple ingredients like ripe bananas, oats, and a touch of maple syrup, these bars are naturally sweet and easy to make.
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 well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down into an even, flat layer. You can sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Step 4: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the bars appear set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute the nut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips or omit them for a less sweet option.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together better.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy, let refrigerated bars come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats can be used but the texture of the bars will be softer and less chewy.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars individually or store them in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
PrintBanana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Delicious and wholesome banana oatmeal bars made with mashed bananas, nut butter, and rolled oats, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and studded with chocolate chips. These bars are a perfect healthy snack or breakfast option, easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
- ½ cup nut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt until the mixture is well incorporated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it evenly into a smooth layer. Optionally sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the bars appear set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for a naturally sweeter and more flavorful bar.
- You can substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Customize by adding nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snacks, baked oat bars, banana bars, nut butter bars, chocolate chip bars
