Banana Oatmeal Bars
Soft, chewy, and full of wholesome flavor Banana Oatmeal Bars are the perfect anytime snack or breakfast on-the-go. Whether you’re trying to use up ripe bananas or looking for a healthier sweet treat, these bars deliver comfort and nutrition in every bite. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying without being overly sweet.

Ingredients
To make the best banana oatmeal bars, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few fresh items. Let’s break it down:

Dry Ingredients:
These form the hearty base of the bars.
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
Wet Ingredients:
These bring moisture and bind everything together.
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Optional Add-Ins:
Customize the flavor and texture with these additions.
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked banana oatmeal bars.
Step 1: Prep the baking pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Mash the bananas
Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add eggs, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until there are no dry streaks. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Spread and smooth
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and smooth the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Edges will be lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool completely

Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to make these banana oatmeal bars even better? Here’s how:
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Oatmeal Bars:
- Use super-ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
- Chill before cutting if you want perfect squares.
- Add parchment paper with overhanging edges to lift bars easily after baking.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Peanut Butter Banana Bars: Swirl in 2 tbsp of peanut butter before baking.
- Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut and dried pineapple.
- Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Cocoa Banana Bars: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
Serving Suggestions
Banana oatmeal bars are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
- Breakfast Bite: Pair with coffee or tea for a healthy morning start.
- School Snack: Pack into lunchboxes for a filling midday snack.
- Post-Workout: Great source of energy and fiber for muscle recovery.
- Dessert Option: Warm up and drizzle with dark chocolate or nut butter.
Conclusion
Banana oatmeal bars are a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious snack that comes together with minimal effort. They’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and full of wholesome ingredients. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or dessert, these bars hit the sweet spot between indulgent and nutritious.

Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped nuts
- ½ cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges to lift the bars out easily later.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined. If you're adding extras like chocolate chips or chopped nuts, fold them in now.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down firmly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is firm and lightly golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing into 12 squares.
Notes
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Potassium: 210mg
- Vitamin A: 2% DV
- Vitamin C: 4% DV
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- These bars can be refrigerated or frozen for longer freshness.
- Reheat slightly before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Do banana oat bars need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. They can stay fresh at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer shelf life, refrigeration is recommended.
What can I use instead of banana in oat bars?
Unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin puree, or mashed sweet potato can be used, though flavor and texture will change slightly.
What makes oatmeal bars stick together?
The combination of mashed bananas, eggs, and honey/maple syrup binds the ingredients and helps them hold shape after baking.
Why are my banana bars dry?
They might be overbaked or the bananas were not ripe enough. Always use soft, spotty bananas for maximum moisture.
How long do oat bars last?
They last up to 4 days at room temperature, 1 week in the fridge, and 2–3 months in the freezer.
Can you freeze banana oat bars?
Absolutely! Slice and wrap them individually, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer.