Banana Oatmeal Bars for Healthy Snacks Recipe
These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack perfect for on-the-go energy boosts. Made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, nuts, and dried cranberries, they combine natural sweetness with a satisfying texture. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars are ideal for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a healthy treat throughout the day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
- 1/2 cup (75g) chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture well to achieve a smooth, consistent texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the old-fashioned rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold in Nuts and Fruit: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press down firmly, creating an even layer for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but not dry.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly.
- Cut and Store: Once fully cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into 12 equal bars. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on preference or allergies.
- If you prefer a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
- Ensure bananas are ripe for natural sweetness and moist texture.
- Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
