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Banana Oatmeal Bars
Jenna Parker

Banana Oatmeal Bars

These soft and chewy banana oatmeal bars are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and packed with hearty oats. Easy one-bowl recipe perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes—ready in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
  2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining.
  3. Stir in the melted coconut oil, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Add the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in any optional add-ins.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and press down lightly.
  6. Bake for 22–28 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Slice into 12 bars and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. Bars firm up as they cool for clean slicing. Can be made gluten-free with oat flour and certified gluten-free oats. Store in airtight container or freeze for longer freshness.