How should I store banana oatmeal bars to keep them fresh?

Once the bars are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge or 2 days at room temperature . For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.

Can I make banana oatmeal bars without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet version or want to change the flavor, omit the chocolate chips. Instead, try raisins, chopped dates, dried cranberries , or toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans. These substitutions add great texture and natural sweetness.

Are these banana oatmeal bars gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, they can be! To make gluten-free banana oatmeal bars , ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats . For a vegan version , choose dairy-free chocolate chips and use a plant-based nut butter like almond or sunflower seed butter. No eggs or dairy are needed in the base recipe.

Banana Oatmeal Bars – Easy & Healthy Snack

Name: Banana Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 1½ cups mashed bananas (approximately 3 ripe bananas); ½ cup nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter); 2 cups rolled oats; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 cup chocolate chips; ½ teaspoon salt

Description

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are a healthy, naturally sweetened snack or breakfast option made with pantry staples like ripe bananas, nut butter, and rolled oats. Perfectly chewy, customizable, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups mashed bananas (approximately 3 ripe bananas)
½ cup nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter)
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, nut butter, rolled oats, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, chocolate chips, and salt.
Stir until the ingredients are well mixed and fully combined.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and flatten into an even layer. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the bars appear set.
Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and easier mashing.
Let the bars cool fully before cutting to allow them to firm up.
You can swap chocolate chips with dried fruit or chopped nuts for variety.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Use binder clips to hold parchment in place during spreading; remove before baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Healthy

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 173 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 82 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0.02 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 2 mg