Oh my goodness, you guys. I have been dreaming about these Soft Banana Oatmeal Bars for WEEKS. I finally nailed the recipe, and I am literally doing a happy dance in my kitchen. Come to Mama, you beautiful, wholesome snack!
Are you ready for a snack that is so easy, so healthy, and so ridiculously yummy that you’ll want to make a double batch every single time? I’m talking about the perfect grab-and-go bite for busy mornings, hungry toddlers, and those 3 PM slumps. We are about to become best friends with this recipe, just like you will with our decadent blueberry cheesecake stuffed toast.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 9 bars
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I have a two-year-old who is a snack monster. I mean, a true, dedicated professional. I was so tired of buying overpriced snack packs that were gone in two days. I created these bars out of pure, beautiful desperation, and now they are a household legend. We are all obsessed.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
I get so excited when these simple ingredients come together. It’s like a little party in my pantry! Here’s what you’ll want to grab.
Soft Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Soft Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Okay, let’s line everything up. This part is so satisfying and makes the mixing a breeze. Trust me on this!
- 3 very ripe medium bananas
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
PREPARATION
This is where the magic happens! It’s so simple, you guys. Get ready to feel like a superstar baker. If you enjoy cozy comfort foods, you’ll absolutely adore our dreamy vegetarian lasagna soup too!
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little step is a total game-changer for easy cleanup!
- In a large bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork until they’re nice and smooth. No big lumps!
- Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the banana mash. Stir it all together until it’s one glorious, gooey mixture.
- Now, dump in the oats, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything until the oats are fully coated and happy.
- Fold in those glorious mini chocolate chips. This is the best part, obviously.
- Transfer your mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly. This helps the bars hold their shape later.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a lovely golden brown.
- Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. I know it’s hard to wait, but this is super important for them to set up properly!
- Once totally cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into 9 perfect squares.
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you master the basic recipe, the fun really begins. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
- Fruity Fun: Swap the chocolate chips for 1/3 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a different kind of sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans right into the mix for a little extra crunch.
- Sunflower Power: Not a peanut butter house? Use sunflower seed butter and skip the add-ins for a perfect school-safe snack.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Let’s talk about making your life easier. This is the ultimate make-ahead snack!
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For long-term savings, they freeze incredibly well. Just wrap them individually and pop them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick 15-second zap in the microwave. If you’re looking for another freezer-friendly favorite, try our easy garlic parmesan chicken for dinner!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I make these without peanut butter?
Absolutely! Any nut or seed butter works wonderfully. We love almond butter and sunflower seed butter in our house too. The recipe is super flexible.
My bananas aren’t very ripe. What can I do?
I feel you! Ripeness is key for sweetness. If your bananas are still a little green, you can bake them (peels on!) at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. Let them cool, and then use them. It’s a brilliant little hack!
Are these bars gluten-free?
They sure can be! Just make sure you are using certified gluten-free oats. That’s the only ingredient you need to check, and you’re all set for a gluten-free treat.
And there you have it! My absolute go-to snack that saves my sanity on a weekly basis. It’s a recipe filled with so much love and zero fuss.
I am just so excited for you to try this. It’s a real crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
