Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this recipe. I am literally OBSESSED with these Soft Banana Oatmeal Bars. If you’re a fan of banana bakes, you’ll also adore our Bakery-Style Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.
They are the snack superhero we all need. I’m talking about the perfect mash-up of a chewy oatmeal cookie and a soft, satisfying banana bread.
They are my secret weapon for everything. Need a quick breakfast? Got it. A lunchbox superstar? Absolutely. A 3 PM snack that won’t cause a meltdown? You better believe it.
This recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s simple, forgiving, and packed with the good stuff. Let’s make some magic!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
Okay, real talk. My love for these bars started out of pure, unadulterated desperation.
I had two bananas turning black on my counter. My toddler was hangry. And I had exactly zero energy for a complicated bake.
I threw these together in a panic. The smell that filled my kitchen was pure heaven. When I pulled them out, they were perfect.
My kid devoured two on the spot. I ate one… then maybe two more. We’ve made them every single week since. They are a total game-changer.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
You probably have most of this in your pantry right now! That’s the beauty of it. Here are the rockstars you need.
Soft Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Soft Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Spotty, super-ripe bananas are non-negotiable. They bring all the natural sweetness and moisture. Don’t you dare use yellow ones! They’re the same key ingredient in our beloved Classic Banana Muffins.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Grab a big bowl and a baking dish. Let’s line everything up. This comes together so fast!
- 3 large, very ripe bananas (the spottier, the better!)
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Are you ready? This is the fun part. No fancy mixer needed. Just a bowl and some muscle!
- First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This is your secret weapon for easy cleanup and removal.
- In a large bowl, mash those bananas like there’s no tomorrow! You want them super smooth and liquidy.
- Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla to the banana mush. Stir it all together until it’s one glorious, creamy mixture.
- Now, dump in the oats, cinnamon, and salt. Fold everything together until the oats are completely coated. It will look thick and delicious.
- Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins. I’m a chocolate chip person, always.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly into all the corners.
- Bake for 23-27 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be golden brown and the top to feel set. Let it cool completely in the pan before you slice!
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you master the basic recipe, the world is your oyster! Here are a few of my favorite twists.
Apple Pie Style: Swap the banana for 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Add a little extra cinnamon and some chopped dried apple.
Double Chocolate: Use 1/4 cup cocoa powder and reduce the oats to 1 3/4 cups. You’re welcome.
Tropical Vibes: Add 1/3 cup shredded coconut and use chopped macadamia nuts as your mix-in. So good!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
These bars are perfect for making ahead. Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh.
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 3 months!
Thaw at room temperature or give one a quick 20-second zap in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 5g
(Note: This is an estimate. Values will change with your specific ingredients and mix-ins.)
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. That’s the only swap you need to make.
My toddler is allergic to nuts. What can I use instead of peanut butter?
No problem! Sunflower seed butter is my top pick. It works perfectly and has a similar texture. You could also use tahini or just extra mashed banana.
Why did my bars turn out crumbly?
This usually means your bananas weren’t ripe enough! Next time, let them get really spotty and soft. You can also try adding one extra tablespoon of nut butter or maple syrup to boost the moisture.
See? I told you this recipe was a total lifesaver. It’s the one-bowl wonder that solves all your snack problems. For another wholesome and easy option, check out our Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins.
I make a batch every Sunday, and it sets us up for a winning week. No more hangry emergencies. Just soft, sweet, wholesome goodness.
I am so excited for you to try these. They are pure joy in bar form.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
