Banana oat bars are a delicious and healthy breakfast bar or a snack on the go.
Banana peanut butter oat bars have quinoa, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and honey baked into chewy, energizing bars that can be cut into any size for any occasion.
These are the Best Banana Oat Bars Because…
- Naturally sweet and loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients these make a crunchy, and chewy treat free of artificial ingredients.
- These banana oat bars stay soft and chewy once cooled and ready to eat.
- Super easy to make and bake, even the kiddos can prepare these banana granola bars.
- Cut into any-size portions, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for grab-and-go goodness after school, workouts, or whenever.
What’s in Banana Oat Bars?
Peanut Butter and Bananas: These are perfect binding ingredients, as well as being packed with protein and tons of nutty and naturally sweet flavor.
Oatmeal: Use any variety of oatmeal, however, old-fashioned oats will stay firmer when baked with the other ingredients and will add to their chewy texture.
Nuts: Pumpkin seeds (AKA pepitas) are a fun twist on this recipe but nuts like chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or coconut can be used. Sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds are also good options for a nut-free bar that still has lots of protein with a crunchy texture.
Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is all-natural and is preferred over artificial maple syrup. Honey, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener also works.
Variations
This recipe is perfect to experiment with. Swapping ingredients is fine, just be sure the mixture resembles a thick, cookie-dough texture before baking.
- If nut allergies are an issue, swap out the peanut butter for sunflower butter, pumpkin butter, or even tahini.
- Chocolate chips are optional, but a fun surprise in every bite. Carob chips or chopped pieces of dried fruit add a sweet touch that’s all-natural.
- Swap out bananas for applesauce, or for a seasonal and festive banana oat bar, use pumpkin puree and add some pumpkin spice.
- Add a bit of whey powder or other protein powder for a protein boost.
- Sprinkle the top with toasted coconut before baking for an extra boost of natural sweetness, or drizzle the bars with melted chocolate before cooling for an extra special treat.
How to Make Banana Granola Bars
- Mix bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in a large bowl. (Full recipe below.)
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Press the mixture into a prepared pan and bake until golden brown.
- Cool completely before slicing into desired sizes.
Best Way to Store Banana Oat Bars
Store banana peanut butter oat bars in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to two weeks.
Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to two months. Add one (or two!) into a backpack or a briefcase as a sweet surprise and they’ll be ready to enjoy in less than an hour.
More Oat Snacks
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Banana Oats Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed banana
- 1 ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups old fashioned oats (rolled oats)
- ½ cup quinoa uncooked, or other chopped nuts
- ½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds), or other chopped nuts
- ½ cup chocolate chips optional
- 1 Tablespoon flax seed or chia seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add oats, quinoa, pepitas, chocolate chips if using, and flax seeds.
- Press firmly into prepared pan using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes (or more). Lift using parchment paper and a spatula. Slice and allow to cool completely.
- These bars will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a less moist granola bar, reduce banana by ½ cup.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra special treat.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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