These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are soft, naturally sweet, and packed with feel-good ingredients that keep me going throughout the day. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and wholesome add-ins like nut butter or chocolate chips, they’re the perfect grab-and-go snack or light breakfast. I love that they’re easy to make, naturally sweetened, and totally customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it uses pantry staples and takes just a few minutes to prep. The bars are soft, slightly chewy, and filled with banana flavor. They’re a great way to use up overripe bananas, and I can make a batch ahead for the week. Whether I need a quick snack after school or a pre-workout boost, these bars always hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Ripe bananas, mashed
-
Old-fashioned rolled oats
-
Peanut butter or almond butter
-
Honey or maple syrup
-
Vanilla extract
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Baking powder
-
Salt
-
Optional mix-ins: dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds, or flaxseeds
Directions
-
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth.
-
I stir in the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
I add the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, then mix until the batter comes together.
-
I fold in any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
-
I spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
-
I bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
-
I let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 9–12 bars and takes around 30 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to bake.
Variations
Sometimes I add shredded coconut or replace some of the oats with oat flour for a softer texture. I’ve made them with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, and if I want them a little more indulgent, I sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top before baking. For a protein boost, I stir in a scoop of protein powder.
Storage/reheating
I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—I wrap them individually and thaw as needed. To reheat, I microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey bite.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes. Quick oats will make the bars a bit softer, but they still work well. I avoid using steel-cut oats—they don’t cook through the same way.
Are these bars vegan?
They can be. I use maple syrup instead of honey and make sure any mix-ins like chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Can I add protein powder?
Absolutely. I usually reduce the oats slightly to keep the texture right when adding protein powder.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better. I use bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if I use certified gluten-free oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are one of my favorite healthy snacks to make ahead. They’re naturally sweet, full of wholesome ingredients, and endlessly adaptable to what I have on hand. Whether I’m packing a lunchbox, heading to practice, or just need something quick and nourishing, these bars always keep me satisfied and energized.
