If you love banana bread but want something you can grab and go, these Banana Oatmeal Bars are about to become your new favorite snack. They’re soft, chewy, and full of cozy banana flavor — with just the right amount of sweetness from ripe bananas and a touch of honey. The first time I made them, I had a few sad-looking bananas on the counter and not much time before the kids came home from school. I threw everything into one bowl — oats, bananas, a bit of cinnamon — and 30 minutes later, the house smelled amazing, and we had the perfect afternoon snack.
Now, these bars are a weekly staple in my kitchen, right alongside my Almond Flour Banana Bread and Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies. They’re the kind of bake you can make anytime — no mixer, no fuss, and totally family-approved.
Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter your bars will be.
- Stir in the nut butter, honey, and vanilla. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Add oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until combined. If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in gently.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Banana Oatmeal Bars
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are healthy, filling, and naturally gluten-free if you use certified oats. They’re perfect for breakfast on busy mornings, after-school snacks, or even dessert with a smear of peanut butter or drizzle of chocolate. The oats give them great texture, while the bananas keep them moist and flavorful.
If you enjoy simple, wholesome treats like my Pear and Ginger Pudding Cakes or Coconut Lime Bars, you’ll love how these bars feel both indulgent and nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bars:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped nuts
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed or chia seeds
If you like bakes that balance healthy and hearty, this one belongs right next to my Almond Flour Banana Bread and Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake.
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter your bars will be.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the nut butter, honey, and vanilla. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until combined. If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in gently.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Just like my Caramel Coconut Macaroon Thumbprints, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special — the kind of treat that disappears fast.
Tips for Perfect Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Use overripe bananas: They’re sweeter and easier to mash.
- Mix by hand: No need for a mixer — it keeps the texture chewy, not dense.
- Don’t overbake: The bars will set as they cool, so pull them when just golden.
- Add-ins are your friend: Chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit make them extra tasty.
These same quick tips make my Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies bake perfectly every time — it’s all about balance and timing.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm briefly in a toaster oven for that just-baked taste.
If you love make-ahead bakes that taste fresh every time, this recipe is as reliable as my Soft Butter Pecan Cookies).
Flavor Variations
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars: Add chocolate chips and use peanut butter for a classic combo.
- Blueberry Banana Bars: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Apple Cinnamon Bars: Add shredded apple and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower butter or tahini instead of nut butter.
Like my Coconut Cream Pie Bars, this recipe is endlessly customizable — mix and match flavors to suit your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make banana oatmeal bars vegan?
Yes — just use maple syrup instead of honey, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
2. Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, though the texture will be a little softer and less chewy.
4. How can I make them more protein-rich?
Add a scoop of protein powder or mix in chia seeds for a boost.
The Final Bite
These Banana Oatmeal Bars are everything you want in a homemade snack — chewy, naturally sweet, and so simple to make. They’re healthy enough for breakfast but satisfying enough for dessert. Each bite delivers that comforting banana flavor with a nutty, oaty texture that feels like a treat but fuels you through your day.
Whether you’re baking for family, packing lunchboxes, or prepping for the week, these bars are the perfect mix of wholesome and indulgent. Serve them with coffee, pack them for on-the-go, or warm them up with a smear of peanut butter — pure homemade comfort.