Wholesome Banana Oatmeal Bars
These Wholesome Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or breakfast treat, packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and hearty oats.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking dish (8x8 inch)
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl
- Fork
- Whisk
- Medium bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe large bananas The riper, the better for natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats Old-fashioned oats work best for texture.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour Or whole wheat flour for an extra healthy boost.
- ¼ cup brown sugar Packed, for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
- ¼ cup milk Any kind – dairy or non-dairy works.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil For richness and binding.
- 1 large egg Helps bind the bars together.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder For a slight lift.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
- Pinch salt Enhances all the other flavors.
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Add melted butter or coconut oil, milk, egg, and brown sugar to the mashed bananas, then whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. If using, stir in any optional add-ins.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Baking and Cooling
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish on a wire rack before cutting them into squares to ensure proper setting.
Notes
For an extra boost of flavor and texture, consider toasting the oats lightly before adding them to the dry ingredients. This will bring out their nutty flavor even more. If your bananas aren't super ripe, you can roast them in their peels at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until they are black and soft; this will intensify their sweetness. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.