Name: Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or chia seeds

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are chewy, wholesome snack bars made with simple ingredients I always have on hand. These bars are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, filled with hearty oats, and perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday energy boost, or a healthy treat anytime. They’re soft, satisfying, and easy to customize with my favorite mix-ins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and fuss-free these bars are to make. I don’t need a mixer, and they bake in just one pan. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the oats make the bars filling and energizing. Whether I’m heading out the door or need a nutritious snack between meals, these bars keep me going without weighing me down. Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients

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

Ripe bananas (mashed)
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Peanut butter or almond butter
Honey or maple syrup
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Salt
Baking powder
Optional add-ins: dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, chia seeds

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth.
I stir in the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder until combined.
I fold in the oats and any mix-ins I’m using.
I press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bars are golden around the edges and set in the center.
I let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9–12 bars and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s great for weekly meal prep or healthy snacking.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the nut butter for sunflower seed butter to keep it nut-free. I’ve also added a handful of mini chocolate chips or used chopped dates and walnuts for a natural, sweet crunch. For a protein boost, I stir in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder.

Storage/Reheating

I store these 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 well—I wrap them individually and thaw as needed. No reheating is needed, but I’ve warmed them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds when I want a softer texture. Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

I’ve tried it, but I prefer rolled oats for better texture. Instant oats make the bars softer and more dense.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I use certified gluten-free oats. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Absolutely. I use maple syrup instead of honey, and make sure any mix-ins (like chocolate chips) are dairy-free.

Do the bananas have to be super ripe?

Yes. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer the bars will be. I look for bananas with lots of brown spots.

Can I make them without nut butter?

Yes. I’ve used tahini or sunflower seed butter for nut-free versions. They help bind everything together just as well.

Conclusion

Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are one of my favorite healthy treats to bake and keep on hand. They’re easy, adaptable, and made with real ingredients that fuel me throughout the day. Whether I need a grab-and-go breakfast or something to curb my afternoon cravings, these bars always deliver.