Healthy Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, make-ahead breakfast that keeps me full and fueled all morning. Made with simple, nourishing ingredients like oats, bananas, and nut butter, these bars are soft, slightly chewy, and naturally sweetened—perfect for busy mornings when I need something quick, healthy, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these oatmeal bars make breakfast so easy. I can mix them up in one bowl, bake them in under 30 minutes, and have breakfast ready for the whole week. They’re free from refined sugar, loaded with fiber and healthy fats, and totally customizable depending on what I have on hand. Plus, they’re portable—so I can grab and go whenever I need a quick bite.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Rolled oats
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Ripe bananas (mashed)
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Nut butter (like almond, peanut, or cashew butter)
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Maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
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Chia seeds or flaxseeds (for fiber)
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Cinnamon
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Optional mix-ins: chopped nuts, dried fruit, dark chocolate chips, or shredded coconut
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, I mash the bananas, then stir in the nut butter and maple syrup until smooth.
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I add the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, then mix until everything is well combined.
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I fold in any mix-ins I’m using, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
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I let it cool completely before slicing into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 9–12 bars, depending on how I slice them. It takes 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so they’re ready in about 40 minutes total.
Variations
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I add blueberries or raspberries for a fruity version.
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For extra protein, I mix in a scoop of protein powder or hemp seeds.
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I make them nut-free by using sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
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I drizzle with a little melted dark chocolate for a treat.
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 well—I just wrap them individually and thaw overnight or microwave for 15–20 seconds before eating. No reheating is necessary unless I want them warm.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats give a heartier bite.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as I use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I make them vegan?
Absolutely. I use maple syrup instead of honey and make sure my chocolate chips (if using) are dairy-free.
Do I need to use bananas?
Bananas help bind and sweeten the bars naturally, but I can try unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree as a substitute.
Are these bars good for kids?
Yes! They’re soft, mildly sweet, and full of nutrients—perfect for little hands and healthy snacking.
Conclusion
Healthy Oatmeal Bars are a simple, nourishing way to make mornings easier and more delicious. Packed with clean ingredients and full of flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or anytime I need a quick boost. Whether I enjoy them warm or cold, plain or packed with add-ins, these bars are always a hit in my kitchen.
Healthy Oatmeal Bars Breakfast
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Description
Healthy Oatmeal Bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened breakfast bars made with oats, bananas, and nut butter. They’re perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, and on-the-go snacking—wholesome, customizable, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas. Stir in nut butter and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Fold in any optional mix-ins.
- Spread mixture evenly into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is set.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter.
- Add a scoop of protein powder for extra nutrition.
- Store in fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
