Description
These comforting Banana Oatmeal Bars are naturally sweetened and perfect for fall, made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural nut butter (peanut or almond)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth. Stir in the nut butter, brown sugar or maple syrup, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add the dry mix to the banana mixture and fold until just combined. Stir in walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. Lift the parchment to remove the slab, then slice into bars.
Notes
Use ripe bananas with brown speckles for the best sweetness. If the batter seems too wet, add 2 tablespoons of oats; if too dry, stir in a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American