I always look forward to making these Breakfast Banana Bars when I need a quick, satisfying treat. The luscious aroma of ripe bananas blended with oats, cinnamon, and vanilla instantly pulls me in. Every bite offers a surprising mix of textures and gentle sweetness that invites curiosity about what comes next.

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Banana Oatmeal Bars have quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes. I’ve always loved recipes with lots of bananas and this one is no exception.

I start with 2 ripe bananas mashed roughly and mix in 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, a good foundation that makes these bar recipes healthy. A little bit of 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract give the bars a subtle sweet taste without overdoing it.

I add 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create a nice balance of flavors. Sometimes I like to throw in optional 1/4 cup chopped walnuts if I want a crunch, or 1/4 cup chocolate chips if I’m in the mood for extra sweetness.

These banana oatmeal bars are perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack and they never disappoint.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it uses stuff I always have in my pantry so I never have to run to the store when I want something quick and easy. I also like how it’s not overly sweet but still has a good mix of flavors, especially when I toss in the walnuts and chocolate chips sometimes. It’s super simple to make and doesn’t take forever in the oven which is great when I’m in a rush. Finally, I feel good knowing I’m eating something wholesome and filling that keeps me satisfied longer.

Ingredients

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Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and essential potassium, boosting flavor and nutrition.
Rolled oats are rich in fiber and healthy carbohydrates, helping to keep you full.
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and a hint of tartness with fewer calories.
Brown sugar lightly sweetens these bars while contributing rich molasses flavor notes.
Chopped walnuts provide crunch, essential fats and protein, adding texture and health benefits.
Chocolate chips offer bursts of extra sweetness and make these bars irresistibly fun.
Vanilla, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt enhance flavor balance and improve texture subtly.
Together these ingredients create a hearty treat that is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredient Quantities

2 ripe bananas, mashed roughly

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts if you like a crunch

Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper

2. In a large bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas until they’re almost smooth but still a bit chunky

3. Mix in the 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well blended

4. In another bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt

5. Pour the dry ingredients into the banana mixture and stir until combined

6. If you’re using walnuts, fold in the 1/4 cup chopped walnuts gently now

7. Next, fold in the optional 1/4 cup chocolate chips if you want that extra sweetness

8. Spread the mix evenly into your prepared pan

9. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, checking to see if the edges are turning a nice light golden color

10. Let it cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars Enjoy your homemade banana oatmeal bars!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 8-inch square baking pan and parchment paper or grease for lining
3. A large bowl for mashing the bananas
4. A fork or potato masher to mash the bananas
5. A medium bowl for mixing the dry ingredients
6. Measuring cups and spoons for all the wet and dry ingredients
7. A mixing spoon or rubber spatula for folding and stirring
8. A cooling area (like a cooling rack or clean counter space) to let the bars cool in the pan before cutting

FAQ

Q: How do I know when the bars are done?

A: They'll be lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

Q: Can I swap out the brown sugar for something else?

A: Yeah, you can use honey or even coconut sugar if you're lookin for a different flavor.

Q: Are these bars gluten free if I use oats?

A: Regular oats can sometimes have gluten, so if youre sensitive look for oats that are labeled gluten free.

Q: Can I add raisins or other dried fruits?

A: Sure, toss in about 1/4 cup of dried fruits for a different texture and taste.

Q: How do I store these bars?

A: Keep 'em in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or pop ‘em in the fridge if you wanna extend the shelf life.

Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of brown sugar, you can try using honey or maple syrup. Just remember to reduce the wet ingredients a bit since they have more moisture
If you dont have rolled oats, you can swap them with quick oats. The texture might be a bit different but it works fine in a pinch
You could replace mashed bananas with mashed avocado for a healthier twist. Its not exactly the same taste but it still makes the bars moist

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your bananas are super ripe – they mash up way easier and add more natural sweetness to the bars without having to add too much extra sugar.
2. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, try not to over mix. A little bit of clumping is okay, and over stirring can make the bars turn out dense.
3. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in at the end. This helps keep them evenly distributed instead of letting them sink to the bottom.
4. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. Cutting them too early can make them crumble or fall apart.