Name: Banana Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew); 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (mini or dark); Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are one of my favorite wholesome snacks to keep stocked in the fridge. Made with pantry staples like ripe bananas, rolled oats, nut butter, and maple syrup, they’re easy to whip up and perfect for breakfast on the go or a midday snack. I love how satisfying and naturally sweet they are—no refined sugar needed, just real ingredients that make me feel good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super simple and endlessly customizable. I just mix everything in one bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and bake. That’s it. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas, and I always have the other ingredients on hand. Plus, unlike many store-bought snack bars, I know exactly what goes into these. They’re soft, chewy, and full of flavor—with just the right amount of sweetness. Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mashed bananas (the riper, the better for natural sweetness)
Nut butter (I like almond butter, but peanut or cashew butter works too)
Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats for the best texture; not instant or steel-cut)
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Maple syrup (real maple syrup, not pancake syrup)
Chocolate chips (I use mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks)
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat the Oven: I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth with a fork or potato masher.
Mix Wet Ingredients: I stir in the nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined with the mashed bananas.
Add Dry Ingredients: I fold in the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and chocolate chips, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
Bake: I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars are set and the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Slice: After baking, I let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 to 12 bars, depending on how I slice them.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Dried fruit like raisins, chopped dates, or cranberries make a great addition.
For a protein boost, I stir in a scoop of protein powder or hemp seeds.
I make it vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chips.
To make it nut-free, I swap in sunflower seed butter.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They stay fresh and chewy, and I like grabbing one straight from the fridge.

Freezing: These bars freeze really well. I wrap individual pieces and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. I just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when I’m ready to eat.

Reheating: I usually eat them cold or at room temperature, but if I want them warm, I microwave a bar for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

I’ve tried it, but I prefer rolled oats for the chewy texture. Instant oats can make the bars too soft or mushy.

What’s the best nut butter to use?

I like almond butter for its neutral flavor, but peanut butter gives it more of a classic flavor. Just make sure to stir well if it’s natural and separated.

Are these bars sweet enough without sugar?

Yes, the ripe bananas and maple syrup give plenty of natural sweetness. I don’t miss the refined sugar at all.

Can I leave out the chocolate chips?

Absolutely. I sometimes skip the chocolate or replace it with dried fruit or chopped nuts for a different twist.

Do I need to refrigerate these?

Yes, I refrigerate them to keep them fresh and firm. They’ll hold up at room temperature for a few hours, but I like the texture best when chilled.

Conclusion

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a staple in my kitchen when I want something easy, nourishing, and delicious. They’re simple to make, use ingredients I always have on hand, and taste amazing any time of day. Whether I grab one for breakfast, snack on it in the afternoon, or pack it for the road, they’re always a hit—and they never last long in my fridge.