Cozy Banana Oatmeal Bars
These cozy banana oatmeal bars are soft, hearty, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup. Made in just one bowl with rolled oats, nut butter, and chocolate chips, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep.
Equipment
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- mixing bowl
- spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper so the bars can be easily removed after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
- Add the nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt to the mashed bananas.
- Mix everything together until fully combined. The mixture will be thick.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the bars look set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together well. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to help them set properly. You can customize them with chopped nuts, dried fruit, seeds, or dark chocolate chunks.