It started with three spotty bananas on the counter and a craving for something cozy. I didn’t want another smoothie or loaf of banana bread. I wanted something snackable. Something my kids could grab after school. These Banana Oatmeal Bars came together with what I already had, and now they’re always in rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Bars
These bars are quick to make and packed with pantry staples. No mixer, no fuss.
They’re naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and real maple syrup. Plus, they’re full of fiber and feel-good ingredients you’ll actually recognize.
They also work for everyone. Kids love them. Grown-ups grab them with coffee. And they’re endlessly customizable—toss in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit if you want to mix things up.
They’re soft, chewy, and comforting. Whether you’re baking ahead for the week or just need a healthy-ish dessert, these bars hit the mark.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these Banana Oatmeal Bars:
- Mashed Bananas – About 3 overripe bananas (the browner the better). They add moisture and natural sweetness.
- Nut Butter – Almond butter gives a warm, toasty flavor. Peanut or cashew butter works too. Just stir well if using natural kinds.
- Rolled Oats – Stick to old-fashioned oats. They hold up well and give a nice chewy texture.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
- Vanilla Extract – Go with the real stuff. It makes a difference.
- Maple Syrup – Use pure maple syrup, not the pancake kind.
- Chocolate Chips – Use your favorite kind. Mini chips spread more evenly.
- Salt – Just a little to balance the sweetness.
Optional add-ins: chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, or even a spoonful of ground flax for a fiber boost.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. If your parchment keeps slipping, binder clips help hold it while you spread the mixture. Just don’t forget to take them off before baking.
Step 2 – Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl. Add your mashed bananas, nut butter, oats, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir it all together until well combined. The batter will be thick and sticky—like a chunky cookie dough.
Step 3 – Bake the Bars
Scoop the mixture into your lined pan. Use a spatula to press it into an even layer. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if you’d like.
Bake for 18–20 minutes. The edges should turn golden and the top should look set.
Step 4 – Cool and Slice
This part’s important: let the bars cool completely in the pan. They firm up as they cool. If you try to cut them too soon, they’ll be too soft and messy.
Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment, then slice into squares or rectangles.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Customize it – Add chopped walnuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, or shredded coconut.
- Cool before slicing – These bars hold together best after they’ve cooled.
- Overripe bananas – The more brown spots, the better. They mash easier and taste sweeter.
- Ripen bananas fast – Pop them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two.
If you love oatmeal-based treats, try these Soft Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cozy Fall Flavors next.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are great for meal prep. Here’s how to store them:
- Room Temp – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fridge – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze – Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or grab one straight from the freezer for a cold snack.
FAQ About Banana Oatmeal Bars
How to make oatmeal banana bars?
Mash ripe bananas, mix with oats, nut butter, and a few pantry staples, then bake in a pan. It’s that simple and quick.
Is oatmeal with banana good for you?
Yes. Bananas add natural sweetness and potassium, while oats bring fiber and steady energy. Together, they’re a nourishing combo.
Are oatmeal bars good for you?
These are! They’re free from refined sugar, full of whole ingredients, and you can tweak them to fit your needs.
Can you mix oats with bananas?
Absolutely. Bananas and oats make a wonderful base for baked goods, pancakes, and overnight oats.
Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe Card
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Banana Oatmeal Bars | Quick, Easy & Wholesome Snack
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are soft, naturally sweetened, and packed with feel-good ingredients. Great for snacks, breakfast, or meal prep.
Ingredients
1½ cups mashed bananas (about 3 very ripe bananas)
½ cup almond butter (or peanut/cashew butter, well-stirred)
2 cups rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use real vanilla)
3 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips (any kind; mini work well)
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, nut butter, oats, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
3. Transfer mixture to the pan and spread evenly. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until edges are golden and bars are set.
5. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
Add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit if desired.
Let bars cool fully before cutting for best texture.
To ripen bananas quickly, place them in a paper bag with an apple for 1–2 days.
Use binder clips to keep parchment in place while spreading the mixture (remove before baking).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 173
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
More Such Recipes
If you love wholesome, oat-based bakes, don’t miss:
- Easy Oatmeal Apple Pancakes for a Wholesome Breakfast
- Soft Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cozy Fall Flavors
- Brown Sugar Overnight Oats for a Quick Make-Ahead Meal
- Easy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake to Start Your Day Right
Final Thoughts
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are the kind of snack that works anytime. They’re quick to whip up, flexible with ingredients, and a hit with kids and adults.
They’ve saved us from so many mid-morning hunger slumps and afternoon “I-need-something-sweet” cravings.
If you make them, tag me on Pinterest or drop a comment on Facebook. I’d love to see how yours turn out!