Name: Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re seeking a nourishing snack that delivers all the comfort of homemade baking with a fraction of the fuss, these Banana Oatmeal Bars are about to become your new obsession. They’re hearty, chewy, and just sweet enough, thanks to the natural goodness of bananas and a touch of maple syrup. Studded with melty chocolate chips and subtly spiced with cinnamon, each bite wraps you in that cozy, wholesome feeling you crave. Best of all, these bars come together with minimal ingredients and less than half an hour in the oven—making them perfect for breakfast on-the-go, an after-school treat, or a healthy dessert the whole family will adore.

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is truly delicious when it comes to Banana Oatmeal Bars. Each ingredient brings something unique, from chewy oats to creamy nut butter, ensuring bars that are flavorful, moist, and utterly satisfying. Here’s the lowdown so you can gather everything you need in one go!

Mashed bananas: The foundation of these bars—ripe bananas add sweetness, moisture, and loads of flavor.
Nut butter: Almond, peanut, or even cashew butter gives the bars richness while holding everything together.
Rolled oats: Oats contribute a hearty, chewy texture and are the heart of this easy, wholesome bake.
Cinnamon: Just a dash brings warmth and complementing spice to every bite.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and that classic, cozy aroma.
Maple syrup: For a gentle sweetness that lets the bananas shine without overpowering the bars.
Chocolate chips: These little pockets of chocolate are what take Banana Oatmeal Bars to indulgent, treat-worthy status.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Before you jump into the mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this ensures your Banana Oatmeal Bars lift out easily later, without any sticky mess. A little bit of effort here means no crumbled bars when you slice them up!

Step 2: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly. You’re looking for a thick, cohesive mixture with chocolate chips distributed as evenly as possible. Don’t be afraid to get hands-on—this is rustic baking at its best.

Step 3: Spread and Smooth the Mixture

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula (or the back of a spoon) to smooth it into an even layer. Want a little more chocolate in every bite? Sprinkle a few extra chips over the top for a finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that looks “set”—meaning it’s no longer glossy and slightly firm to the touch. Resist the urge to overbake, as you want your Banana Oatmeal Bars moist and chewy rather than dry.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once finished, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off—the bars hold together much better after cooling. Lift out the entire slab using the parchment, then cut into squares or rectangles. Now, enjoy that first bite!

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

Garnishes

For a touch of flair, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or almond butter over the cooled bars. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or finely chopped nuts can add both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Fresh banana slices placed on top right before serving also make for an inviting presentation and a complementary pop of natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Banana Oatmeal Bars with a tangy Greek yogurt parfait, a glass of cold almond milk, or a hot cup of coffee. They’re fantastic alongside a fruit salad or even just with a handful of berries for a wholesome breakfast or snack spread. Their subtle sweetness and hearty texture pair beautifully with fresh, bright sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a kid-friendly treat, or layer pieces in a jar with yogurt and berries for a portable parfait. These bars also make a lovely gift—stack and wrap them in parchment, tie with a ribbon, and share a little homemade goodness with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Banana Oatmeal Bars store wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. Stack them with a little parchment between layers to prevent any sticking. They’ll remain chewy and moist, perfect for snacking whenever a craving hits.

Freezing

If you’d like to make these ahead, pop cooled, cut bars into a freezer-safe bag or container (again, with parchment between layers). They can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to eat, just let them thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for a few seconds for that just-baked feel.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm Banana Oatmeal Bar, microwave a single square for about 10 to 15 seconds. If you prefer the oven, a quick 5 minutes at 300°F will do the trick—you’ll bring back that fresh-from-the-oven aroma and soften the chocolate chips, too.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats, and you’ll have a batch of bars that everyone can safely enjoy, even those with gluten sensitivities.

What type of nut butter works best?

Any creamy nut butter should work beautifully here. Peanut butter brings a familiar, nostalgic taste, while almond butter offers a mild, toasty flavor. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative, especially for lunchboxes.

Can I add mix-ins or customize the recipe?

Definitely! Dried fruit, chopped nuts, or seeds are great additions. You can also switch up the type of chocolate chips or even substitute in white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a fun twist.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the edges are golden and the center is set (no longer wet or glossy). If in doubt, a quick poke with a toothpick should come out with a few crumbs, not raw batter.

Are Banana Oatmeal Bars kid-friendly?

Kids absolutely love these bars! They’re sweet without being sugary, easy to eat on the go, and a sneaky way to offer up some fruit and whole grains. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or breakfast on busy mornings.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how simple and delicious Banana Oatmeal Bars are, there’s really no reason not to bake up a batch—and maybe double it, because they disappear fast! They’re comforting, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your house. Grab those ripe bananas and get mixing—you’ll thank yourself with every bite.

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with bananas, nut butter, oats, and chocolate chips, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Oatmeal Bars:

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

Heat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350F and line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
Transfer and flatten: Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and flatten it into an even layer. Add extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges are golden and the bars are set. Let them cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

You can customize these bars by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the mixture.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American