Description
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a quick and healthy snack made with simple, natural ingredients like ripe bananas, rolled oats, and plant-based peanut butter. These bars offer a perfect blend of sweetness, fiber, and sustained energy, ideal for busy mornings or on-the-go nourishment. Fully customizable and make-ahead friendly, they provide a soft yet chewy texture with warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla extract (natural), making them a wholesome plant-based treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (plant-based)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by mashing the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Ensure the bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the natural peanut butter (plant-based), maple syrup (natural), and vanilla extract (natural) to the mashed bananas. Stir this mixture together until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, chia seeds, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution before mixing.
- Bring Wet and Dry Together: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly to form a sticky batter that is well combined without overmixing.
- Transfer and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into a parchment-lined baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to fully cool in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. Cooling helps the bars hold their shape and enhances texture.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Always line your baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and save cleanup time.
- Do not overbake to keep bars soft and chewy rather than dry.
- Fold in any nuts or dried fruits gently to maintain their texture.
- Customize the flavor by experimenting with spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, plant-based snack, quick breakfast, gluten-free bars, natural ingredients, energy bars