Banana Oatmeal Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Banana Oatmeal Bars are not only tasty but also healthy! They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Packed with fiber and nutrients from bananas and oats, these bars keep you full and energized. Plus, they are easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick grab-and-go snack, these bars are a great choice.

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How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/4 cup nut butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup, nut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Optionally, fold in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor.
5. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Bars

Banana Oatmeal Bars can be served in many ways. They are delicious on their own, but you can also top them with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey. These bars are great for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or even a dessert option. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a nice treat!

How to Store Banana Oatmeal Bars

To store your Banana Oatmeal Bars, keep them in an airtight container. They can last for about 4-5 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness.
• If you like chewier bars, add a little more oats.
• Experiment with different add-ins like dried fruits or seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce or skip the honey or maple syrup.

Variation

You can easily change the flavor of these bars by adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger. For a chocolate version, use cocoa powder or more chocolate chips! You can also substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter to suit your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and mash them before mixing them into the other ingredients.

2. Do I have to use honey or maple syrup?
No, you can skip the sweetener if you prefer. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness on their own.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! If you use certified gluten-free oats, the recipe will be gluten-free.

4. How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

5. Can I add protein powder to these bars?
Absolutely! You can add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture for an extra nutritional boost. Just adjust the wet ingredients as needed.

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