Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack Recipe
These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, honey, walnuts, and dried cranberries, they offer a perfect balance of natural sweetness and crunch. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars make a nutritious on-the-go treat or a satisfying breakfast option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup (75g) chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt, mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold in Nuts and Fruit: Gently fold the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries into the oat mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and press it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is firm to the touch.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out the bars using the parchment paper and cut into 12 equal bars.
- Store: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Honey or maple syrup can be substituted based on preference or dietary needs.
- Chopped nuts can be replaced with pecans or almonds if desired.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before eating.
