Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars (Printable Version)

Soft, chewy banana oatmeal bars ready in 25 minutes. Perfect for healthy breakfasts and meal prep.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

03 - 1 1/3 cups mashed ripe banana (approximately 3 medium bananas)
04 - 6 tablespoons water
05 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, agave, or honey, or stevia equivalent
06 - 3 tablespoons oil (such as coconut or vegetable), nut butter, or additional water
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Mix-Ins

08 - 1/3 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and salt. Mix evenly.
03 - Add mashed banana, water, maple syrup (or chosen sweetener), oil (or nut butter or extra water), and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until mixture is uniformly combined.
04 - Gently fold in optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts until distributed throughout batter.
05 - Pour mixture into prepared baking pan. Use spatula to smooth top surface evenly. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top if desired.
06 - Bake for 20 minutes. Turn off oven and leave door closed, allowing bars to set inside for an additional 5 minutes.
07 - Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Slice into 6 to 9 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They freeze beautifully so you can bake once and have breakfast for weeks
  • The texture lands perfectly between chewy and soft like a comforting hug
02 -
  • The extra 5 minutes in the turned-off oven is what makes them set properly
  • Wait until they are completely cool before cutting or you will have a crumbly mess
03 -
  • Use really ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness
  • Press the mixture firmly into the pan for bars that hold together
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