Banana Oatmeal Bars – Soft, Chewy and Naturally Sweet

Adam

Banana Oatmeal Bars – Soft, Chewy and Naturally Sweet

Banana Oatmeal Bars are the kind of bake that checks all the right boxes: easy to make, naturally sweet, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthier dessert. Made with ripe bananas, hearty rolled oats, creamy nut butter, and melty chocolate chips, these bars are soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying. They’re ideal when you want something: Simple and wholesome Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly Great for meal prep Naturally sweet without refined sugar With warm cinnamon and vanilla rounding out the flavor, these banana oatmeal bars taste cozy and comforting—like banana bread in bar form.

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Prep Time 10

bake time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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Ingredients

1½ cups ripe bananas mashed
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup nut butter peanut, almond, or other
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
These ingredients are simple nourishing, and chosen to create soft, chewy bars with rich banana flavor.

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Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Fork or potato masher
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
9×9-inch baking pan
Parchment paper

Method

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth.

Step 3:

Add the nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bananas. Stir until well combined.

Step 4:

Mix in the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 5:

Fold in the chocolate chips gently.

Step 6:

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly, pressing it down slightly.

Step 7:

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center feels firm.

Step 8:

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 9:

Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper and cut into bars.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days

Refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freezing:

Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months

Serving tip:

Enjoy at room temperature or slightly chilled

🥄 Variations

Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter

Extra banana flavor: Add banana slices on top before baking

Crunchy texture: Add chopped nuts

Spice boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg

Lower sweetness: Reduce chocolate chips slightly

Each variation keeps the bars soft, cozy, and customizable.

❓ 10 FAQs

Are these bars very sweet?
No, they’re naturally sweet from bananas and maple syrup.

Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer.

Do these bars hold together well?
Yes, once fully cooled.

Can I make them vegan?
They already are when using plant-based chocolate.

Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely—kids love them.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan.

Do I need eggs?
No, bananas act as the binder.

Can I reduce the nut butter?
It’s best kept for structure and flavor.

Are these good for breakfast?
Yes, they’re filling and balanced.

Why let them cool fully?
Cooling helps the bars set properly.

🏁 Conclusion

Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, comforting bake you’ll want to keep on repeat. With simple ingredients, natural sweetness, and a soft chewy texture, they’re perfect for busy days, meal prep, or whenever you crave something cozy and satisfying.

Easy, nourishing, and always a hit—these bars never disappoint.