© Original recipe by The Daily Dishboard ©
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Grab-and-Go Breakfast 🍌🥣✨
1. Introduction
Are you searching for a quick, nutritious, and delicious snack that you can enjoy on busy mornings or as a healthy afternoon treat? Look no further than these healthy banana oatmeal bars. Perfectly suited for those seeking nutritious breakfast bars or easy snack bars, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with hearty oats, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome start to your day. Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast or a satisfying snack, these banana oatmeal bars are a game changer. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
2. Ingredients for Nutritious Breakfast Bars
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars
Gather Your Supplies
Prepare all ingredients and necessary tools such as a baking pan, mixing bowls, and a spatula.
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, cinnamon, and optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring thoroughly until you achieve a sticky, uniform dough.
Transfer to Baking Pan
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly to make it compact.
Bake
Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. This helps them set firmly for easy grabbing.
4. Storage Tips for Homemade Nutritious Breakfast Bars
Store your healthy breakfast bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy mornings or quick energy boosts during the day.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
Enjoy these banana oatmeal bars on their own or paired with a fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added flavor. You can customize them by adding your preferred ingredients:
- Chopped nuts or seeds for crunch
- Dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness
- Chocolate chips or coconut flakes for indulgence
- Spices such as nutmeg or ginger for warming flavors
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars
Can I substitute honey or maple syrup?
Yes, you can use agave nectar, coconut nectar, or a sugar-free alternative. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Are these bars suitable for gluten-free diets?
Choose certified gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
How long do they take to prepare?
The entire process from mixing to baking takes approximately 40 minutes, including cooling time.
Can I add protein powder?
Absolutely! Incorporate a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the dry ingredients for an extra protein boost.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
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8. Conclusion
Preparing these healthy banana oatmeal bars is a simple way to enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal anytime you need a quick energy boost. With minimal ingredients and customizable options, they are an excellent addition to your breakfast repertoire or as an on-the-go snack. Embrace this healthy, easy-to-make recipe to start your mornings right and keep your energy levels high throughout the day. So, gather your ingredients, bake with confidence, and enjoy these wholesome nutritious breakfast bars that fuel your busy lifestyle.
Print
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy Grab-and-Go Breakfast
A wholesome and delicious make-ahead breakfast full of oats, ripe bananas, and natural sweetness, perfect for busy mornings.
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix mashed bananas, honey, almond butter, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Add oats, cinnamon, and stir until combined.
- Press mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool, then cut into bars and serve or store.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- For added flavor, mix in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg