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Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate solution for a quick, healthy snack or a portable breakfast that feels like a treat. Made with just four simple ingredients, they offer a soft and chewy texture that is naturally sweetened and incredibly easy to customize.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Calories: 139
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large ripe bananas approx. 1 ½ cups mashed
  • 1/2 cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter
  • 2 cups rolled oats certified gluten-free if necessary
  • 1 cup chocolate chips dairy-free for a vegan version
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract optional
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon optional
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt optional
  • 2/3 cup walnuts or pecans chopped, optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9-inch by 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or a potato masher until they are creamy and most of the large chunks are gone.
    3 large ripe bananas
  3. Add the creamy almond butter to the mashed bananas. Stir them together until the mixture is well-combined and forms a thick, smooth consistency.
    1/2 cup creamy almond butter
  4. Pour in the rolled oats and the chocolate chips. If you are using any optional additions like cinnamon, vanilla, or nuts, add them now. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
    2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 2/3 cup walnuts or pecans
  5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, smoothing out the top.
  6. Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 18 to 25 minutes. You will know they are done when the edges are lightly golden-brown and the center feels set.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for ensuring they hold their shape when sliced.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.