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- 2 ripe bananas, mashed - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds, optional) - 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries, optional) These ingredients provide a great mix of nutrients. Ripe bananas give natural sweetness. They are high in potassium, which helps your muscles. Rolled oats offer fiber, which keeps you full. Almond butter adds healthy fats and protein for energy. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the bars naturally. Cinnamon boosts flavor and may help with blood sugar. Dark chocolate chips can add antioxidants, while nuts and dried fruit add crunch and vitamins. You can swap ingredients to fit your taste. Use peanut butter if you want a stronger nut flavor. Agave syrup works well if you need a vegan option. For gluten-free bars, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. If you want a nut-free snack, skip the nuts and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. You can also try different fruits, like chopped apples or dried apricots. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take an 8x8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove your bars later. In a big bowl, mash the two ripe bananas. They should be soft and easy to mix. Add in the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together well until they blend nicely. Next, in another bowl, mix the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. This step combines the dry flavors. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. If you want to add a fun twist, fold in dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit at this stage. Mix gently to keep the bars soft. If you stir too much, they might get tough. When your mixture is ready, pour it into the lined baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. This helps them bake evenly. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges to know they are ready. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up. Once they are cool, cut them into squares or rectangles. Store your energy bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week. Enjoy your tasty, nutritious treat! To make your energy bars chewy, use ripe bananas and add more almond butter. This keeps the bars moist. Bake them for less time, about 20 minutes. For a crunchy texture, add a bit of extra oats and nuts. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden. Adjusting the bake time can really change the feel of your bars. Store your energy bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. You can also wrap each bar in parchment paper. This helps if you want to take them on the go. If you live in a warm place, you should keep them in the fridge. It helps maintain their texture and taste. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a scoop of cocoa powder. You can swap honey for maple syrup for a different taste. Adding dark chocolate chips gives a nice sweet touch. Dried fruit like cranberries or raisins adds chewiness and sweetness. Mix and match your favorite nuts too! Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your energy bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Customize Add-ins: Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create your perfect energy bar combination. Store Properly: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make Ahead: These bars are great for meal prep! Make a double batch and freeze individual bars for a quick grab-and-go snack. {{image_2}} You can make your banana oatmeal energy bars more fun by adding nuts and fruits. Try using walnuts or almonds for a nice crunch. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Each nut or fruit gives a unique taste. Mix and match to find your perfect combo! These bars can fit many diets. To make them vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey. For a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats. These swaps keep the bars tasty and healthy for everyone. You don’t have to compromise on flavor! Want to boost nutrition? Add superfoods like chia seeds or flaxseeds. Just a tablespoon can add fiber and omega-3s. You can also try adding a scoop of protein powder. This makes your bars a great snack for energy. Get creative and enhance the health benefits! Store your banana oatmeal energy bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place the container in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard works well. These bars will stay good for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your energy bars, first wrap each bar in plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture out. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. These bars can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want one, just take it out and let it thaw. If you like your bars warm, you can reheat them. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 15-20 seconds. Check to see if it's warm enough. If not, heat it a bit longer. Enjoy them warm to bring out the flavor. Banana oatmeal energy bars can last up to one week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container. If you want to store them longer, try freezing them. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This will help keep the bars fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use quick oats instead of rolled oats. Quick oats will make the bars a bit softer and chewier. This change is fine if you prefer that texture. Just remember that quick oats absorb more liquid. If you notice the mixture is too dry, add a bit more mashed banana or nut butter. You can add protein to the bars in several ways. Consider mixing in protein powder, nuts, or seeds. Here are some good options: - Chopped nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or peanuts add protein and crunch. - Nut butter: Use more almond or peanut butter for extra protein. - Seeds: Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds for a protein boost. These additions can help turn your energy bars into a more balanced snack. You have learned about making tasty banana oatmeal energy bars. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize the bars with nuts or fruits and choose dietary options as needed. Remember to store them properly to keep them fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy fun treats that are also healthy. Get creative with your flavor boosts and variations to make these bars just right for you. Enjoy your cooking and healthy snacking journey!

Banana Oatmeal Energy Bars

Healthy and delicious energy bars made with bananas and oats.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.33 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 0.25 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds, optional)
  • 0.25 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  • In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried fruit.
  • Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  • Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles, and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Keyword energy bars, healthy, snack