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To create these tasty bars, you need the following ingredients: - 2 ripe bananas, mashed - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, chia seeds) These ingredients come together to make a healthy snack that is both filling and delicious. You can change the bars to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Add 1/4 cup of dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. - Use peanut butter instead of almond butter for a different flavor. - Swap honey for agave syrup to make it vegan. - Include a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost. Feel free to mix and match these options to make the bars your own! Each bar is packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick look at what you get per serving (one bar): - Calories: 150 - Protein: 4g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 6g - Fat: 7g These numbers can vary based on your choices of nut butter and sweetener. Enjoy a guilt-free snack that gives you energy without the crash! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out easily later. In a large mixing bowl, mash the two ripe bananas until smooth. Add in 1/2 cup of almond butter and 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Pour in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Mix all these wet ingredients until they are well combined. This creates a sweet and creamy base for your bars. Now, add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is mixed well. If you want, fold in 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and flatten the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a clean toothpick when checking. After baking, let the bars cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out and cool them on a wire rack completely. Once cool, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your healthy snack! Need ripe bananas fast? Place them in a brown paper bag. The bag traps ethylene gas, which helps bananas ripen quicker. You can also add an apple or tomato for even faster results. This method takes just one or two days. For soft and chewy bars, mash your bananas well. The more they are mashed, the smoother the mixture. Mix until you have no lumps. If you want a bit of crunch, fold in nuts or seeds at the end. This adds nice texture. Don’t have almond butter? Try peanut butter, sunbutter, or cashew butter. Each adds a unique flavor. For sweeteners, maple syrup can replace honey. You can also use agave nectar or stevia for a low-calorie option. Just adjust the amount to taste. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness. Experiment with Nut Butters: While almond butter is delicious, try other nut butters like peanut or cashew for a different flavor profile. Store Properly: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. Add Your Favorites: Feel free to customize the bars by adding dried fruits, seeds, or even a sprinkle of coconut for extra texture and flavor. {{image_2}} If you want to skip nuts, you can easily make nut-free banana oatmeal bars. Simply replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter. This swap keeps the bars creamy and tasty without nuts. You can also omit any added nuts for a smooth texture. You can choose between chocolate chips or nuts based on your taste. Dark chocolate chips add sweetness and richness. Nuts give a nice crunch and healthy fats. You can mix both for a fun twist. Try walnuts for their flavor or chia seeds for added nutrition. Adding fruits or seeds can give your bars more flavor and texture. You can mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They add a chewy bite. For seeds, try pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds. These pack in nutrients and crunch. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins! Store your banana oatmeal bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. Place parchment paper between the layers if you stack them. It prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab a bar. For long-term storage, freeze the bars. Cut them into squares first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. In the pantry, these bars last about a week. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss them. Always check the bars before you eat them. You should avoid using steel-cut oats. They need longer cooking times. Steel-cut oats are chewier and won't bind well. Rolled oats are softer and mix well with the bananas. This helps create a nice texture in your bars. Stick with rolled oats for the best results. To make these bars vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. Use any nut butter that is vegan. Many nut butters are vegan-friendly. Also, you can skip the chocolate chips or select dairy-free ones. This way, you keep the bars tasty and plant-based. You can add many healthy toppings. Here are some great ideas: - Sliced bananas for fresh flavor - Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds - Seeds such as chia or flaxseeds - A drizzle of nut butter for creaminess - Unsweetened coconut for a tropical twist These toppings add taste and extra nutrients to your bars. Banana oatmeal bars are simple and tasty. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. I shared ways to customize your bars and store them well, ensuring freshness. Remember, you can tweak the recipe to fit your needs. Enjoy experimenting and creating your perfect snack. With the right ingredients and care, you’ll have delicious bars ready to enjoy anytime. Happy baking!

Banana Oatmeal Bliss Bars

Delicious and healthy bars made with ripe bananas and oats, perfect for a snack or breakfast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • 0.25 cup chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, chia seeds)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
  • Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt to the banana mixture and stir until evenly combined. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips and nuts or seeds at this stage.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, and using a spatula, spread it evenly to the edges and flatten the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift them out and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Stack the bars on a plate and drizzle a little extra honey on top for a chic finish. Garnish with banana slices or a sprinkle of nuts for added flair.
Keyword banana, bars, healthy, oatmeal, snack