Banana Oat Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Banana Oat Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for breakfast or an energy boost throughout the day. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and a touch of peanut butter, they’re naturally sweet and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed banana (about 4 large ripe bananas)
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Mash the ripe bananas and pack them into measuring cups to get exactly 2 cups.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, oats, dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, chopped nuts, hemp seeds, and protein powder. Stir well until the mixture is thick and evenly combined.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down evenly and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
5. Step 5: Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C) until the bars are dry, golden on top, and set.
6. Step 6: Allow the pan to cool for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out onto a cooling rack.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely for 2-3 hours before slicing.
8. Step 8: Slice into bars and serve with fruit, yogurt, or enjoy plain for a nutritious breakfast or snack.

Tips & Variations

• To make these bars nut-free, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the chopped nuts.
• For extra sweetness, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top before baking.
• Add dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for more texture and flavor.
• Use gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free version.

Storage

Store the banana oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives that work well in this recipe.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when they are golden on top, feel set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Banana Oat Bars Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

These Banana Oat Bars are a healthy and delicious snack made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, rolled oats, and dark chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast or an energy-boosting treat, they are packed with nutritious ingredients like hemp seeds, chopped nuts, and protein powder. Baked until golden and set, these bars are easy to prepare, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with fruit.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Mashed Banana (equivalent to 4 large ripe bananas)
• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter
• 2 3/4 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts
• 1/2 cup Hemp Seeds
• 1/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside.
2. Mash bananas: Thoroughly mash the ripe bananas and pack them into a measuring cup to get exactly 2 cups of mashed banana.
3. Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, peanut butter, rolled oats, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, chopped nuts, hemp seeds, and vanilla protein powder. Stir very well until the mixture is thick, consistent, and thoroughly combined.
4. Transfer to pan: Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down evenly to form a compact layer. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for garnish.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C), or until the top is dry, golden, and the mixture is set.
6. Cool in pan: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Then carefully lift the parchment paper edges to remove the bars onto a cooling rack.
7. Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool completely for 2-3 hours to set fully before slicing.
8. Slice and serve: Slice into bars and serve as a nutritious breakfast or snack, great alongside fruits, yogurt, or enjoyed plain.

Notes

• Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a chewy texture; quick oats may alter the consistency.
• Dark chocolate chips add rich flavor and antioxidants; optionally use dairy-free chips for vegan adaptation.
• Vanilla protein powder boosts protein content—use your preferred plant-based or whey protein.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These bars are naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.

Keywords: banana oat bars, healthy snack, baked bars, peanut butter bars, gluten-free breakfast, protein bars