Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacks Recipe
These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for breakfast or a midday boost. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, they are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats from walnuts. Naturally sweetened and easy to prepare, these bars offer sustained energy with every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
- 1/2 cup (75g) chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1.5 cups or 340g)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and sticky.
- Fold in Nuts and Fruit: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press down firmly with a spatula to create an even, compact layer for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set – this ensures the bars are cooked through but still moist.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely in the pan to firm up before cutting.
- Cut and Store: Once fully cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 12 equal bars. Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans based on preference or allergies.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
- Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If you prefer crunchier bars, bake for an additional 5 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
