Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars are a simple, delicious way to start your day or fuel your afternoon. These bars have a soft, chewy texture with a hint of natural banana sweetness. Perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks, this easy recipe uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep. Pair it with my One-Pan Honey Garlic Kielbasa & Veggies for Busy Nights for a complete homemade meal.
Why You'll Love Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars - Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
Try these easy Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars for a healthy homemade breakfast or snack. Quick, family-friendly, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
- Made with simple pantry staples and ripe bananas.
- Gluten-free and naturally sweetened with bananas and a touch of honey.
- Perfect make-ahead breakfast or on-the-go snack.
- Soft, chewy texture with crispy edges for the best bite.
Ingredients for Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars - Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
Bananas: Use ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for natural sweetness. Substitute with pumpkin puree for a different flavor.Oats: Rolled oats give the best texture; quick oats can be used but may result in a softer bar.
- Bananas: Use ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for natural sweetness. Substitute with pumpkin puree for a different flavor.
- Oats: Rolled oats give the best texture; quick oats can be used but may result in a softer bar.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars - Easy Homemade Healthy Snack are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars - Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the mixture: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add honey, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract; whisk to combine.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add extras: Fold in nuts and chocolate chips or raisins if using.
Expert Tips for Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars - Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep bars tender and chewy.
- Add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars - Easy Homemade Healthy Snack
Try these easy Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars for a healthy homemade breakfast or snack. Quick, family-friendly, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Additional sliced bananas
- A sprinkle of oats or nuts
Instructions
How to Make Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Prepare the mixture: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add honey, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract; whisk to combine.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Add extras: Fold in nuts and chocolate chips or raisins if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan. Spread evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars - Easy Homemade Healthy Snack FAQs
Yes! These bars are great for meal prep. Bake and store in the fridge or freezer to have a healthy snack ready anytime.
You can replace 1 large egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them individually wrapped for several months.
Dry bars usually result from overbaking or using underripe bananas. Make sure to use ripe bananas and check the oven to prevent overcooking.
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Before You Go
If you try this Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars - Easy Homemade Healthy Snack, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.