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A close-up of a stack of healthy banana oatmeal bars ready to eat

Wholesome Banana Oatmeal Bars

These wholesome banana oatmeal bars are a perfect on-the-go breakfast or a healthy snack. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and a hint of sweetness, they are easy to prepare and customize with your favorite mix-ins.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings 9 bars
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 8x8 inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Whisk
  • Medium bowl
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Toothpick
  • Knife (for cutting)

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3-4 medium, very ripe bananas
  • 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Mix-ins

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth.
  • Add the milk, maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and whisk until well combined.
  • In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), and salt, then stir well.

Mixing & Baking

  • Pour the dry oat mixture into the wet banana mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined, and then fold in your optional mix-ins.
  • Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing it down gently.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean; the bars should feel firm to the touch.

Cooling

  • Remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Notes

For extra flavor, lightly toast the oats before mixing. If your bananas aren't very ripe, you can roast them in their peels at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until soft and dark.