Banana Oatmeal Bars

Introduction

Banana Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate answer for anyone seeking a wholesome, energizing treat that’s both delicious and incredibly simple to make. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the comforting texture of oats, these bars are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, easy lunchbox additions, or a nourishing snack any time of day. They offer the satisfaction of homemade baking without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Deliciously Unique Banana Oatmeal Bars

What makes these bars a standout is their combination of hearty oats and naturally sweet bananas—they’re chewy, satisfying, and just sweet enough to please every palate. Adding ingredients like cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips can turn them into a crowd favorite, while still keeping things healthy and straightforward. Plus, this recipe is highly adaptable, so you can tailor it to whatever you have on hand or to your own dietary preferences.

Easy Mix-Ins for Custom Banana Oatmeal Bars

For a little extra flavor and nutrition, consider mixing in a handful of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. If you enjoy a bit of indulgence, mini chocolate chips or coconut flakes are also excellent choices. Mash your bananas thoroughly to ensure even distribution of sweetness and moisture—a step that delivers perfectly moist and tender bars every time.

How to Assemble and Bake

Start by lining your baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. After mixing the wet and dry ingredients together, press the batter firmly into the pan to form an even layer. This compacting step helps your bars hold together once cooled and cut. Bake until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Oatmeal Bars

Serve these bars at room temperature or slightly warmed for a cozy, comforting snack. They pair exceptionally well with a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of tea or coffee. Dress them up for guests by drizzling with a bit of melted dark chocolate or nut butter before serving. Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for several days—ideal for meal prepping ahead of a busy week.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 12 generous bars. Each serving contains approximately 120–150 calories, depending on the mix-ins you choose. High in fiber and low in added sugar, these bars are a nourishing choice for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create a streamlined shopping list with all the ingredients organized by grocery section—making your shopping trips faster and your meal planning more efficient.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the bananas. Add the honey (or maple syrup), egg, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.

Weekly Meal Planning

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a stellar addition to your weekly meal prep—they freeze beautifully and are easy to portion for breakfast or snacks. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan and instantly generate a consolidated shopping list, accounting for every meal you’re preparing.

Planning Benefits:

– Compiles total ingredient quantities across all your planned recipes
– Organizes ingredients by store section to speed up grocery shopping
– Avoids duplicate purchases and missed ingredients
– Simplifies prep and makes healthy eating a breeze all week

Pro tip: When planning several recipes at once, use CookifyAI’s scheduling feature to see how ingredients overlap. For example, if baking these bars and prepping another oat-based dish, your shopping list will reflect the total oats needed—saving time, money, and cutting back on food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy these Banana Oatmeal Bars as an easy, wholesome addition to your meal routine—they’re sure to become a household favorite!