Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a simple, wholesome treat you can make at home with pantry staples. These bars have a soft, chewy texture with crispy edges and a naturally sweet banana flavor. They’re easy to whip up in under an hour, perfect for beginner cooks or busy families. Pair them with my One-Pan Honey Garlic Kielbasa & Veggies for Busy Nights for a well-rounded meal.
Why You'll Love Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
Enjoy these easy Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars, a homemade, healthy snack packed with wholesome oats and ripe bananas. Perfect for meal prep or quick breakfasts.
- Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients found in most pantries.
- Rich in fiber and natural sweetness from ripe bananas and oats.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep that stays fresh for days.
- Gluten-free and customizable with nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
Ingredients for Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
Bananas: Use ripe brown-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness; substitute with mashed pumpkin or sweet potato for a twist.Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture; quick oats can be used but may yield softer bars.
- Bananas: Use ripe brown-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness; substitute with mashed pumpkin or sweet potato for a twist.
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture; quick oats can be used but may yield softer bars.
📋 Full measurements for Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Homemade Healthy Snack are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Preheat and prepare your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add honey, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and combined.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add dry ingredients: Add oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, then fold in any optional nuts or chocolate chips.
Expert Tips for Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and moist bars.
- Line your baking pan with parchment for easy slicing and cleanup.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep bars tender and chewy.
Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
Enjoy these easy Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars, a homemade, healthy snack packed with wholesome oats and ripe bananas. Perfect for meal prep or quick breakfasts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Pinch of salt
- Optional 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter
- Sprinkle of chia seeds or flaxseeds
Instructions
How to Make Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Preheat and prepare your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add honey, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Add oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, then fold in any optional nuts or chocolate chips.
- Bake and cool: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended — texture changes on thawing.
- Reheat: Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Homemade Healthy Snack FAQs
Can I make Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars keep well in the fridge for about 5 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them great for meal prep.
What’s the best substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested for 5 mins) for a vegan or egg-free option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the bars individually wrapped and thaw before eating.
Why did my bars turn out dry or crumbly?
Dry bars usually mean overbaking or not using ripe bananas. Make sure bananas are very ripe and check oven time carefully.
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