Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. This recipe is forgiving. Assemble and bake up to a day ahead and store in an airtight container. Making it ahead makes serving easier and lets the flavors settle naturally.

Are these bars gluten free?

They can be. Use certified gluten-free oats to make the bars suitable for a gluten-free diet. Oats themselves are naturally gluten free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing.

Can I use peanut butter substitute?

Yes. Almond butter or cashew butter work well. If you use a thinner nut butter, you may need a touch more oats to achieve the same binding texture.

How do I know when they are done?

Look for golden edges and a center that looks set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Cooling helps the bars firm up and finish cooking gently.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes. If your bananas are very ripe, you may cut the honey or maple syrup to 1/4 cup. The bars will be less sweet but still pleasant, especially if you serve them with yogurt or a small drizzle.

Banana Oatmeal Bars 2026 - Easy Fresh Recipes

Description

Easy and comforting Banana Oatmeal Bars made with simple pantry staples, ideal for snacks or desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the oats, cinnamon, and salt, and stir until evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy!

Notes

For variations, consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips. Best enjoyed with yogurt or as a simple dessert.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg