4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Oatmeal Bars are not only incredibly easy to make, but they are also versatile and customizable. The combination of ripe bananas and almond butter provides natural sweetness and creaminess, while the oats add fiber and texture. With the addition of chocolate chips, these bars feel like a treat, but they’re made with wholesome ingredients that make them a much healthier option than most store-bought bars. Plus, the recipe can be adapted to include your favorite nuts or spices for extra flavor and crunch!

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas (1 ½ cups mashed)
• ½ cup (120g) creamy almond butter
• 2 cups (200g) rolled oats
• 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips

Optional Additions:

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup (100g) chopped walnuts or pecans

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 ½ cups of mashed bananas.
3. Mix the Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the almond butter and rolled oats. Stir until well combined. If using optional additions, like vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt, or nuts, add them now and mix everything together. Fold in the chocolate chips last.
4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: If you’re allergic to nuts, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread. Skip the nuts in the optional additions.
• Vegan Version: This recipe is already vegan if you choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Add Extra Flavor: You can add a dash of nutmeg or a handful of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter for an extra protein boost.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?

Yes, peanut butter will work great as a substitute. It will add a slightly different flavor, but it will still provide the creamy texture needed for the bars.

2. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can use quick oats, but the texture of the bars may be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier, heartier texture.

3. How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars will be.

4. Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips or replace them with other mix-ins, such as dried fruit, coconut flakes, or raisins.

5. Can I use another nut butter besides almond butter?

Yes, feel free to use peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.

6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats to make the bars completely gluten-free.

7. Can I add protein powder to the bars?

Yes, you can add protein powder to the mix. Just be sure to adjust the amount of dry ingredients (like oats) to balance the consistency if necessary.

8. Are these bars good for meal prep?

Yes, these bars are perfect for meal prep! Make a batch at the start of the week and have a healthy breakfast or snack ready to go.

9. Can I make these bars without the optional ingredients?

Absolutely! The basic 4-ingredient recipe is still delicious, but the optional additions can enhance flavor and texture if you like.

10. Can I double the recipe to make more bars?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger baking pan (like a 9×13-inch pan) and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

These 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars are a simple, healthy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick snack. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creamy almond butter, hearty oats, and melty chocolate chips, these bars are both satisfying and nutritious. Customize them with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy these bars as a perfect on-the-go breakfast or snack!

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