Name: Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chia seeds

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These Banana Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened—perfect for a healthy snack that feels just as satisfying as a treat. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and wholesome add-ins, they’re great for on-the-go mornings, after-school bites, or an energy boost between meals. I love keeping a batch on hand for quick, guilt-free snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these bars are to make with ingredients I almost always have in my kitchen. They’re naturally sweet from bananas, loaded with fiber from oats, and totally customizable depending on what I’m craving. They’re also great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and kid-approved. Whether I want something to fuel my day or satisfy a snack craving, these bars do the trick. Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack

Ingredients

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

Ripe bananas (mashed)
Rolled oats
Peanut butter or almond butter
Honey or maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Baking powder
Salt
Optional mix-ins: dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth.
I stir in the nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined.
I add the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and any optional mix-ins, then stir everything together into a thick batter.
I spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden.
I let them cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9 to 12 bars, depending on how I slice them. Prep time is 10 minutes, and baking takes 20–25 minutes, so the whole recipe is ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for extra crunch. I’ve also swapped peanut butter for tahini or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. To make them more filling, I stir in protein powder or flaxseed. If I’m going for a breakfast bar vibe, I mix in blueberries or shredded coconut.

Storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—after cooling, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. I thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a quick warm snack. Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack

FAQs

Are these banana oatmeal bars vegan?

They can be! I use maple syrup instead of honey and make sure the chocolate chips (if using) are dairy-free. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. I prefer rolled oats for a chewier, heartier bite.

Do I need to use ripe bananas?

Absolutely. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bars will be. Overripe bananas work best.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, I often add a scoop of my favorite protein powder. I just reduce the oats slightly so the bars don’t get too dry.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They are if I use certified gluten-free oats. I always check the label to be sure if that’s important for me.

Conclusion

Banana Oatmeal Bars are one of my favorite healthy snacks—easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with feel-good ingredients. Whether I’m reaching for one in the morning or grabbing a quick bite between meals, they always hit the spot. With endless ways to customize them, I never get bored of this simple, delicious recipe.