Attention, all you lovely home bakers out there! Are you craving a snack that’s not only delicious but also energizing and nutritious? Well, buckle up because I’ve got just the recipe for you – Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars! These bars are the perfect blend of comfort and nourishment, made with wholesome ingredients that will keep you going strong throughout the day. Grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack
These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a true delight for the senses. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of fresh bananas and toasted oats wafting through your kitchen, and the satisfying crunch of nuts and the gooey, chewy texture of the bars. Not only are they a delicious treat, but they’re also packed with nourishing ingredients that will fuel your body and mind. With a perfect balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, these bars are the ultimate pick-me-up for those mid-afternoon slumps or as a satisfying snack any time of day. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time and enjoy the homemade goodness.
Ingredients
To make these Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars, you’ll need a few simple, wholesome ingredients: ripe bananas, rolled oats, nuts (like walnuts or almonds), honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla extract. These ingredients come together to create a nutritious and flavor-packed treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- 3 ripe bananas – mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Substitutions
- Nuts: Pecans, cashews, or a mix of nuts (adjust quantity to your liking)
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option
How to Make Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack
Let’s walk through the simple steps to make these delicious and nourishing Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add in the rolled oats, chopped nuts, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the bars have cooled completely, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crunch Factor: Add more nuts for a crunchier texture.
- Chewier Bars: Use less oats for a chewier, more dense bar.
- Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, peanut butter, or dried fruit like cranberries or apricots.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to make these bars gluten-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are perfect for a quick and wholesome snack, whether you’re enjoying them at home or on the go. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as a pre-workout fuel.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the bars for longer-term storage, up to 3 months.
Reheat: You can enjoy these bars at room temperature or slightly warmed up. Just be careful not to overheat them.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment. They’re a great option for meal prepping or having a homemade snack on hand.
For more energizing homemade snacks and wholesome baked treats, browse what’s waiting in our Pinterest boards.
Nutrition Information
These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Each serving provides a balance of complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a great choice for a nourishing snack. They’re a fantastic way to fuel your body and keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars for a Healthy Snack
These Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are the perfect healthy snack! Packed with fiber and natural sweetness, they make for an ideal on-the-go treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: 🥣 Healthy & Dietary Bakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond butter
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and almond butter until smooth.
3. Add in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt; mix well.
4. Stir in the rolled oats, and if desired, add in nuts and chocolate chips.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
– Store the bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
– You can freeze them for longer storage; just thaw before eating.
– Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits or seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana, oatmeal, bars, healthy snack, baking
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Absolutely! Quick oats will work just fine in this recipe, though the texture may be a bit more fine and delicate. If you prefer a chunkier, heartier bar, stick with the rolled oats.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can easily make these bars vegan by swapping the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also use a plant-based milk instead of the dairy-based milk called for in the recipe.
How do I store the leftover bars?
For best results, store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the bars for longer-term storage, up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as pecans, cashews, or even a mix of nuts. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to your liking.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these Energizing Banana Oatmeal Bars are a gluten-free treat.