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These hearty banana oat bars have been my trusty backup for crazy mornings and smart snacking for ages. Loaded with good-for-you stuff and sweetened naturally, they're just right for planning ahead and eating while you're running around.
I originally whipped these up when searching for something breakfast-y we could take on the go. Now my family asks for them every week and they've turned into our favorite snack for long car rides that keeps everyone full without sugar crashes.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: create the filling foundation that gives you fiber and lasting energy
- Mashed banana: brings natural sweetness and keeps everything moist
- Water: sticks all the parts together without adding any calories
- Salt: makes everything taste better and cuts the sweetness
- Pure maple syrup: gives those deep sweet notes you won't get from regular sugar
- Oil or nut butter: adds some richness and helps with the feel
- Vanilla extract: wraps everything up with a cozy flavor boost
- Optional mix-ins: stuff like chocolate bits or nuts to make it your own
Simple Steps
- Warm Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F while getting everything else ready. This lets it warm up just right. Put parchment in an 8inch square pan or grease it well so nothing sticks.
- Combine Everything:
- In a big bowl throw together the oats mashed banana water salt maple syrup oil and vanilla. Mix until it all looks the same. The stuff should be wet and stick when you press it.
- Throw In Extras:
- Carefully mix in any fun stuff like chocolate bits chopped nuts dried fruit or seeds. Save some to put on top so it looks nice.
- Fill Your Pan:
- Drop the mixture into your ready pan spreading it all around with a spoon. Push down hard so the bars won't fall apart after cooking.
- Cook and Wait:
- Bake for just 20 minutes until the sides look golden. Don't open the oven door but turn off the heat and let them sit in there 5 more minutes this trick makes them perfectly chewy.
- Let Cool and Cut:
- Wait until everything's totally cool in the pan before lifting it out and cutting into bars. For nice cuts use a sharp knife and clean it between slices.
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The mushed banana really works magic here. It not only holds everything together without eggs but also gives you potassium and makes that just-right moist feel that makes these bars so good. I once brought some to a family party where my super picky nephew ate three before anyone could tell him they were actually healthy!
Storage Solutions
These banana oat bars work great for making ahead when life gets crazy. After they cool down wrap each bar in parchment then put them in a sealed container. They'll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days keeping their chewy texture. For longer keeping freeze them up to three months. I like to freeze them on a tray first then move them to a freezer bag once they're hard so they don't stick to each other.
Customization Options
What's so great about this recipe is how you can switch things up. Want more protein? Toss in a scoop of protein powder or swap chocolate bits for collagen. Need them vegan? Go with maple syrup and plant butter. For different tastes try adding cinnamon cardamom or nutmeg. My own favorite twist includes some orange zest and dried cranberries for a fresh winter flavor that goes amazingly with morning coffee.
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Nutritional Benefits
These bars pack way more goodness than anything from the store. The oats give you beta glucan a fiber that helps lower bad cholesterol and keeps your heart happy. Bananas add potassium and vitamin B6 while making things sweet naturally. By making them yourself you skip all the weird stuff and extra sugar in packaged bars. At about 90 calories each they make a perfect snack that fills you up without messing with your healthy eating.
Serving Suggestions
Though these bars taste great as is there are tons of ways to enjoy them. For a bigger breakfast warm one up and add some Greek yogurt and fresh berries on top. For a little treat drizzle with almond butter and sprinkle with cinnamon. Pack one with fruit and a few nuts for a balanced lunch box addition. They can even work as a healthy dessert when warmed up with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream for an oatmeal cookie vibe that handles sweet cravings.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I make these oatmeal bars banana-free?
Absolutely. Just swap the banana with something like applesauce or try different baked oat recipes for a change.
- → How should I store leftover oatmeal bars?
Put them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 4 days or toss them in the freezer to keep for several months.
- → Can I add extra ingredients to the bars?
You bet. Toss in some nuts, dried fruits or chocolate pieces to make them even tastier.
- → What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Try honey, agave or stevia if you don't have maple syrup. They'll all add the sweetness you need.
- → What type of oats should I use?
Rolled oats work best in this recipe. Quick oats can do in a pinch but don't use steel-cut ones.