Introduction

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Packed with natural sweetness and hearty oats, they make a great on-the-go treat or a quick breakfast option.

The image shows three square oat and chocolate chip bars on crumpled parchment paper. Each bar has a rough texture made of visible oats, with large round dark chocolate chips scattered on top and inside. The bars are golden brown and slightly shiny, with a chewy look. To the right of the bars is a flat metal spreader with a pink handle, smeared with some chocolate. The background has a white marbled texture underneath the parchment paper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it down into an even layer. You can sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if you like.
Step 4: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the bars feel set.
Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use almond or peanut butter depending on your preference. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works well.
For extra texture, add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture before baking.
Swap chocolate chips for raisins or coconut flakes to reduce sugar content.
Make sure bananas are very ripe to enhance natural sweetness.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy cold.

How to Serve

The image shows a square oatmeal chocolate chip bar placed in the center of a white plate, with a black spoon resting on the right side of the plate. The bar appears to be one thick layer, textured with visible oats and scattered chocolate chips melted slightly on top, giving a mix of light brown and dark brown colors. Surrounding the main plate are other white bowls; one contains raw oats, and another holds chocolate chips. In the top left corner, part of the larger oatmeal bar is still on parchment paper, with a pink-handled knife partially visible. All items are set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture may be softer and less chewy compared to rolled oats.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based nut butter and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to keep the bars vegan-friendly.

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 628 reviews

Delicious and wholesome Banana Oatmeal Bars that are easy to make and perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast. These bars combine ripe bananas, oats, nut butter, and chocolate chips to create a naturally sweet, chewy treat with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Oatmeal Bars Ingredients

1½ cups mashed bananas (approx. 3 bananas)
½ cup nut butter
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Transfer and Flatten: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. You can sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra chocolate flavor if desired.
Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden brown and the bars look set and firm.
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove from the pan by lifting the parchment paper and cut them into individual bars for serving.

Notes

For nut butter options, almond, peanut, or cashew butter all work well.
Make sure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and moisture.
You can store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or omit nut butter and add extra bananas.
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for variation.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, healthy snack, easy breakfast bars, homemade granola bars, no refined sugar bars, vegetarian snack