Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars (Printable)

Soft, chewy banana oatmeal bars ready in 25 minutes. Perfect for healthy breakfasts and meal prep.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Wet Ingredients

03 - 1 1/3 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium bananas)
04 - 6 tbsp water
05 - 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, agave, or honey, or stevia equivalent
06 - 3 tbsp oil (such as coconut, vegetable), nut butter, or additional water
07 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Mix-Ins

08 - 1/3 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and salt.
03 - Add mashed banana, water, maple syrup (or alternative sweetener), oil (or nut butter or extra water), and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly combined.
04 - Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or seeds if desired.
05 - Pour mixture into prepared baking pan. Use spatula to smooth top evenly. Sprinkle additional toppings on surface if preferred.
06 - Bake for 20 minutes. Turn off oven and leave bars inside closed door for 5 additional minutes to set completely.
07 - Remove from oven. Cool completely before slicing into 6 to 9 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in one bowl with zero fancy equipment or techniques
  • The texture lands perfectly between chewy and substantial, never dry or crumbly
02 -
  • The extra 5 minutes in the turned-off oven is crucial for proper texture
  • Letting them cool completely prevents crumbling when you cut them
03 -
  • Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the best natural sweetness
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing or they will fall apart
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