These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate meal-prep solution for busy mornings or a quick afternoon pick-me-up. Made with just five wholesome base ingredients, these bars are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars and oils.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars because they solve the common problem of homemade oat bars turning out gummy or soggy. This recipe yields a perfect chewy texture that tastes remarkably like banana bread but in a portable, nutrient-dense form. They are incredibly easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins and are budget-friendly, making them a staple for anyone looking for a healthy, on-the-go breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 small ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 3/4 cup or 172g)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter of choice)
- 3/4 cup non-dairy milk (such as cashew, soy, or almond milk)
- 2 1/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats (divided for flour and texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or walnuts (optional add-ins)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Measure out 1 cup of the rolled oats and place them into a high-speed blender. Blend until they reach a fine flour consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, peanut butter, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the homemade oat flour, the remaining 1 1/3 cups of whole rolled oats, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon to the wet mixture.
- Fold in any optional add-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, using a spatula until the batter is well combined.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops appear slightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. It is essential to let them cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To ensure your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars turn out perfectly every time, it is vital to measure your bananas. Since banana sizes vary wildly, using exactly 3/4 cup (172g) prevents the bars from becoming too wet or too dry. Additionally, always use spotty, overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you may want to add 2-3 tablespoons of coconut sugar to the batter. Finally, do not substitute quick oats for the rolled oats; the texture relies on the heartiness of rolled oats to avoid “gummy” results.
Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. For a nut-free version, replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or blueberries. For a crunchier texture, fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds. You can also play with spices by adding a pinch of ginger, cloves, or nutmeg to give them a seasonal flair.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra almond butter. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast. If you are serving them as a dessert, try warming them slightly and serving with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 6 days. For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Simply slice them into servings, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, let them thaw on the counter or pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 8.6g |
| Fat | 14.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 33.3g |
| Fiber | 5.5g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 121mg |
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Measure out 1 cup of the rolled oats and place them into a high-speed blender. Blend until they reach a fine flour consistency.2 1/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, peanut butter, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.2 small ripe bananas, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3/4 cup non-dairy milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add the homemade oat flour, the remaining 1 1/3 cups of whole rolled oats, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon to the wet mixture.2 1/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Fold in any optional add-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, using a spatula until the batter is well combined.1/4 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or walnuts
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops appear slightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. It is essential to let them cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?
It is highly recommended to use rolled oats for this recipe. Quick oats are more processed and can lead to a mushy or gummy texture, whereas rolled oats provide the necessary structure and chewiness.
Are these banana oatmeal bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that handle wheat.
Can I make these without peanut butter?
Absolutely. You can substitute any nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter or tahini works very well, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Why did my bars fall apart when I cut them?
The most common reason for crumbling is cutting the bars while they are still warm. These bars need to cool completely to “set” properly. If they are still falling apart after cooling, you may need to add slightly more mashed banana or nut butter next time to increase the moisture content.