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Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars

Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars

The Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and convenient solution for busy mornings or a midday energy boost, blending simple ingredients into a satisfying treat that’s perfect for on-the-go fueling.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats old-fashioned oats are preferred for texture
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup adjust to your sweetness preference
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts optional
  • ½ cup chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries optional

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • - Parchment Paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium Bowl
  • Spatula
  • Wooden spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
    1 ½ cups rolled oats, ½ cup whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt
  3. In a separate medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are relatively smooth with just a few small lumps remaining. Overripe bananas will yield the sweetest and most moist results.
  4. To the mashed bananas, add the melted butter or coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the wet ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
    ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter or coconut oil, ¼ cup honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Pour the wet banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
  6. If you’re using any optional add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
    ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts, ½ cup chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to evenly spread the mixture into a uniform layer across the pan. Press it down slightly to ensure it holds together well.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set and springs back slightly when gently touched.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step for them to firm up properly. Rushing this step can result in crumbly bars.
  10. Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into your desired bar shapes. Enjoy!

Notes

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
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