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These cozy banana baked oatmeal bars make weekday breakfasts simple and satisfying. Whether you want a grab-and-go snack or a wholesome start to your morning these tender bars are packed with hearty oats and natural sweetness from banana. They also keep well in the freezer making them an easy meal prep favorite.
I started making these baked oat bars for rushed school mornings and they quickly became essential in our kitchen. My kids cheer for the chocolate chip version and I love how little cleanup there is.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: for structure and chew choose old fashioned oats for the best texture
- Mashed ripe banana: adds moisture and natural sweetness be sure to use spotted bananas for richer flavor
- Water: for moisture you can swap in milk for extra creaminess
- Salt: brings out the flavor and balances the sweetness
- Pure maple syrup or honey: adds a gentle honeyed note use real maple syrup if possible for best taste
- Oil nut butter or more water: softens the bars and helps bind them avocado oil or almond butter works well
- Pure vanilla extract: deepens the overall flavor
- Optional mix ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts: for added variety choose semi sweet chips or toasted pecans for a treat
Step by Step Instructions
- Prep the Pan:
- Line an 8 inch baking dish with parchment or grease it thoroughly This prevents any sticking and helps lift out the bars later
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl thoroughly mash the bananas until smooth Stir in water maple syrup oil or nut butter and vanilla extract until fully blended
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Add rolled oats and salt to the wet mixture Stir until everything is evenly moistened Fold in most of your chocolate chips or nuts if using
- Spread and Top:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan spreading it evenly with a spatula Scatter extra chocolate chips on top pressing them in lightly
- Bake and Rest:
- Place pan in a preheated 350 degree oven Bake for 20 minutes Do not open the oven when time is up Instead turn off heat and let bars sit for 5 more minutes in the closed oven to firm up
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan Slice into six to nine squares or bars for serving
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I always look forward to sneaking an extra handful of chocolate chips onto half the pan for a double treat My favorite memories are wrapping these bars for my little one to enjoy on our walks to the park
Storage Tips
Store baked oatmeal bars in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days For longer storage wrap each bar individually and freeze They thaw quickly on the counter or can be warmed briefly in the microwave
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Ingredient Substitutions
No nut butter on hand Use extra oil or simply more water if keeping these oil free Swap maple syrup with honey or stevia to suit your taste For a banana free version try baked oats using applesauce or pumpkin puree
Serving Suggestions
Pair these bars with a dollop of yogurt and fresh berries for a full breakfast They also make a great lunchbox treat or afternoon snack Try crumbling a bar into a bowl and eating it like oatmeal with a splash of milk
Baked Oatmeal Bars Around the World
The concept of baked oats appears in many cultures Scotland’s oatcakes and Scandinavia’s grain bars are both ancestors to this recipe Over time we have made it our own with bananas and chocolate chips like a portable slice of banana bread
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are best for a soft, chewy texture. Steel-cut oats would result in a much denser bar, so they are not recommended without pre-cooking.
- → What can I substitute for banana?
Unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree can be used in place of mashed banana, though flavor and sweetness may vary.
- → How do I store these bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for several months for longer storage.
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, choose oil or additional water rather than nut butter, and avoid adding nuts for a fully nut-free result.
- → Is it possible to make these bars sugar-free?
Sweeteners such as maple syrup can be swapped for stevia, making the bars free from added sugars.
- → How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The top should look set and the edges may be lightly golden. Let them rest in the oven after baking for best texture.