Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delightful treat that seamlessly blend the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the hearty texture of oats. These bars serve as an excellent option for breakfast on-the-go, a midday snack, or a healthier dessert alternative. Their simplicity and versatility make them a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber from oats and natural sugars from bananas, these bars provide sustained energy without the need for refined sugars.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them perfect for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences or to incorporate additional flavors and textures.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas
- Rolled oats
- Peanut butter
- Egg
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, dried fruits, nuts
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Once cooled, slice into bars of desired size.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 bars.
- Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini to accommodate nut allergies.
- Sweeter Bars: Add 1/4 cup of honey or additional maple syrup if a sweeter taste is desired.
- Fruit Additions: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for added sweetness and texture.
- Spiced Flavor: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Individually wrap bars and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
What type of oats should I use?
Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) are recommended for their chewy texture. Quick oats can be used but will result in a softer bar.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use maple syrup as the sweetener.
Are these bars gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats.
How can I make the bars firmer?
For firmer bars, bake an additional 5 minutes and allow them to cool completely before slicing.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 1/4 cup of your preferred protein powder. You may need to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to maintain the desired batter consistency.
Is it possible to omit the sweetener?
If your bananas are very ripe, you can omit the maple syrup. However, the bars will be less sweet.
Can I use other nut butters?
Absolutely. Almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut or seed butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang will help in easily removing the bars after baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Are these bars suitable for children?
Yes, these bars are a healthy snack option for children. Ensure that any mix-ins used are age-appropriate to prevent choking hazards.
Conclusion
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of taste and nutrition, making them a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Their ease of preparation, coupled with the flexibility to customize, ensures they cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a snack, or a healthier dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings while providing essential nutrients.