Why Make This Recipe
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a great snack for anyone. They are simple to make, healthy, and filling. If you have ripe bananas at home, this recipe is a perfect way to use them up. Plus, these bars are great for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up. With the goodness of oats and bananas, they provide energy and keep you satisfied between meals.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: nuts or chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the oats, cinnamon, and salt to the mixture, and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- If desired, fold in nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy your healthy snack!
How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars
Banana Oatmeal Bars can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them on their own as a quick snack. They are also great with a dollop of yogurt or a spread of nut butter on top. For a fun treat, try adding some fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey when serving.
How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars
To store your Banana Oatmeal Bars, keep them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly and label them with the date.
Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe; this will give the bars natural sweetness.
- You can replace almond butter with peanut butter or any nut butter you like.
- For added flavor, try mixing in some raisins or coconut flakes.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup.
Variation
You can easily customize Banana Oatmeal Bars. Try adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick. You can also replace half the oats with whole wheat flour to change the texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them and mash them well before using.
2. Are these bars vegan?
Yes, if you use maple syrup and plant-based nut butter, these bars can be vegan.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas 2 ripe bananas Make sure your bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness.
- 2 cups 2 cups oats Use certified gluten-free oats if making gluten-free.
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Can be replaced or complemented with other spices.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Adjust sweetness according to taste.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter Any nut butter can be used.
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon salt
- optional nuts or chocolate chips Fold in as desired for extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the oats, cinnamon, and salt to the mixture, and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- If desired, fold in nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy your healthy snack!