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To make these tasty Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars, you'll need: - 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 baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds, optional) You can change things up if needed. Use peanut butter instead of almond butter. If you want a different sweet taste, swap honey for maple syrup. For a nut-free option, leave out the nuts and chocolate chips. You can also use unsweetened applesauce for a lower-calorie choice. Each bar offers a great mix of nutrients. In one serving, you get about: - Calories: 140 - Protein: 4 g - Carbohydrates: 20 g - Dietary Fiber: 3 g - Sugars: 6 g - Fat: 6 g - Saturated Fat: 1 g - Sodium: 50 mg These bars are a good source of energy. They have healthy fats and fiber to keep you full. Enjoy them as a snack or a quick breakfast! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. You can line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step keeps the bars from sticking. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You need about two ripe bananas for this. Add the almond butter to the bowl. Stir these two together well. Now, pour in the honey or maple syrup. Add the vanilla extract too. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients well. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet banana mix. Stir gently until just combined. If you like, fold in chocolate chips or nuts at this stage. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The top should be golden brown. Use a toothpick to check if it’s done. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready! Let them cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, move them to a cooling rack. Once cool, cut into bars and enjoy! For the best texture, use ripe bananas. They should be soft and sweet. Mash them well to mix smoothly. The almond butter adds creaminess. If you want a firmer bar, add more oats. Keep an eye on the bake time. The top should be golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when done. Store your bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap before freezing. This way, you can grab one for a quick snack later. One common mistake is over-mixing the batter. Stir just until combined for the best texture. Another mistake is not using ripe bananas. They provide natural sweetness and moisture. Be careful not to skip the baking soda. It helps the bars rise and stay fluffy. Lastly, check your oven's temperature. An oven that is too hot can burn the bars quickly. Pro Tips Tip for Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be! Look for bananas that are heavily speckled for the best flavor. Tip for Nut Butters: You can use any nut butter you prefer, but make sure it's at room temperature for easier mixing. Tip for Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup based on your taste preference. Tip for Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. {{image_2}} You can customize your banana oatmeal bars in many ways. Adding nuts boosts flavor and crunch. Walnuts or almonds work great. If you love fruit, try adding blueberries or dried cranberries. Both add natural sweetness and nutrition. You can also mix in seeds like chia or flax for added health benefits. The choices are endless, so feel free to get creative! Honey and maple syrup are popular choices, but you can switch them up. If you want less sugar, use mashed dates or applesauce. These options keep your bars moist and tasty. You could also use agave syrup if you prefer a different flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount, as some sweeteners are stronger than others. Making this recipe gluten-free is simple. Just use certified gluten-free oats. This way, you can enjoy the bars without worrying about gluten. You can also try different flours like almond or coconut flour. These flours will change the texture but still taste delicious. Always check labels to ensure everything you use is gluten-free. To keep your healthy banana oatmeal bars fresh, use an airtight container. Place the bars in a single layer or separate them with parchment paper. This method helps avoid sticking and preserves their texture. Store the container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the bars into pieces and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. These bars have a shelf life of about one week at room temperature. Check for signs of spoilage like an off smell, mold, or changes in texture. If they feel dry or hard, it's best to toss them. Always trust your senses; if something seems off, it’s better to be safe. Yes, you can use quick oats. Quick oats will change the texture a bit. They tend to make the bars softer. If you want a chewier bite, stick with rolled oats. Rolled oats add more texture and heartiness, making them a great choice. You can use peanut butter or any nut butter you prefer. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free option. Each choice adds its own flavor. Just make sure it has a similar consistency to almond butter. The bars are done when the top is golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes. Let them cool before cutting for the best texture. In this blog post, we covered all you need to make oatmeal bars. We explored ingredients, showing you swaps and nutrition info. I shared step-by-step baking tips and how to make them perfectly. We discussed different flavors and storage ideas to keep your bars fresh. Remember, with these easy tips, you can make delicious and healthy snacks at home. Try new things and enjoy the process. Happy baking!

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars

Delicious and nutritious bars made with ripe bananas and oats, perfect for a healthy snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces 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 baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and almond butter until smooth.
  • Stir in the honey (or maple syrup) and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, cut into bars and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

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