Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the decadent pleasure of chocolate chips, all sweetened naturally with bananas and maple syrup. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier snack option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re in need of a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a healthier dessert, these bars are sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, blend the mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until smooth. This mixture forms the wet base of your bars.
Step 3:
Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture. Stir until well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4:
Fold in the chocolate chips. This step can be customized with other additions such as nuts or dried fruit, depending on your preference.
Step 5:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This ensures that the bars cook uniformly.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7:
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This cooling time helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.
Variation
Try substituting the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to accommodate nut allergies.
Cooking Note:
The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to start checking the bars at the 20-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these bars as a standalone snack, pair them with a glass of milk, or crumble them over yogurt for a delicious breakfast.
Tips:
- Ensure that the bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more mashed banana or a tablespoon of milk to adjust the consistency.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 180 per bar
- Protein: 4 grams
- Sodium: 160 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, ensure that your oats and oat flour are certified gluten-free.
Q: How should I store these bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Conclusion
Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars offer a delicious way to enjoy a treat that feels indulgent yet is packed with wholesome ingredients. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the day. Try making a batch today—they’re sure to become a new favorite!
PrintBanana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, blend the mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until smooth. This mixture forms the wet base of your bars.
Step 3:
Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the banana mixture. Stir until well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4:
Fold in the chocolate chips. This step can be customized with other additions such as nuts or dried fruit, depending on your preference.
Step 5:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This ensures that the bars cook uniformly.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7:
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This cooling time helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.
Variation
Try substituting the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to accommodate nut allergies.
Notes
The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to start checking the bars at the 20-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these bars as a standalone snack, pair them with a glass of milk, or crumble them over yogurt for a delicious breakfast.
Tips:
- Ensure that the bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more mashed banana or a tablespoon of milk to adjust the consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 180 per bar
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Protein: 4 grams
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