Banana Oat Breakfast Bars

Name: Banana Oat Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 bars
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups rolled oats; ½ cup almond butter; ¼ cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup chopped nuts (optional); ½ cup dried fruit (optional)

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Ideas

I absolutely love starting my day with these Banana Oat Breakfast Bars. They are not only quick to make, but also packed with nutritious ingredients that keep me energized throughout the morning. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas combined with the hearty oats makes for a delicious and satisfying breakfast option. Plus, they are perfect for on-the-go mornings when I need something wholesome to grab before heading out. I can’t wait for you to try this simple recipe!

Created by

Maribel Sutton

Last updated on 2026-02-08T00:53:35.764Z

This journey to create the perfect breakfast bar began on a particularly busy Monday morning when I needed something nutritious at hand. I experimented with different ingredients and settled on a blend of ripe bananas, nuts, and oats that worked beautifully together. The aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible and hinted at the deliciousness to come!

One of the best tips I discovered was to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This ensures they hold their shape and makes for easier storage. They are great fresh, but I often double the batch and store some in the fridge for busy days. Give this recipe a try; you won't be disappointed!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Nutritious and filling, perfect for breakfast or snacks
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Customizable with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruit

Texture and Flavor Profile

These Banana Oat Breakfast Bars offer a delightful combination of chewy and crumbly textures. The bananas not only sweeten the bars but also contribute moisture, keeping them soft and tender. When you bite into one, you will experience a slight chewiness from the oats contrasted with the satisfying crunch of any chopped nuts you decide to include. The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the bananas.

To enhance the flavor further, consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract. If you enjoy a richer taste, substituting half of the almond butter with peanut butter can introduce a nutty twist. The slight variations can elevate the overall flavor, making each bite a unique experience.

Customizing Your Bars

One of the best aspects of these bars is their customizable nature. Feel free to tailor them to your dietary preferences or personal tastes. For those looking for added protein, mix in some chia seeds or hemp hearts. If you want to reduce sugar, you can cut the honey or maple syrup down by half while still enjoying a naturally sweet treat. You can also replace the almond butter with sun butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

Consider adding festive ingredients like chopped dark chocolate or shredded coconut for a treat. Seasonal variations might include using pumpkin spice in fall or orange zest in the winter. The possibilities are endless and make it enjoyable to adapt the bars as per your cravings or nutritional needs.

Ingredients

For these delicious Banana Oat Breakfast Bars, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup almond butter
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup dried fruit (optional)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Banana Oat Breakfast Bars:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit if using.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and cutting them into squares.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the mixture before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Banana Oat Breakfast Bars are excellent for meal prep. You can easily make a batch at the beginning of the week, allowing you to enjoy a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack every day. Once cool, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer shelf life, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week.

If you’re looking to store them for an extended period, consider freezing the bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy warm.

Troubleshooting

If your bars come out too dry, try mashing your bananas more thoroughly next time. The moisture from the bananas is crucial for the right texture, so ensure they are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture retention. Additionally, baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven; always check for a golden brown color around the edges as an indicator of doneness.

On the other hand, if the bars are too moist or not holding together, it could be due to insufficient oats or excess liquid from the added ingredients. To fix this next time, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and consider adding an extra half cup of oats if the mixture seems wet before baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, rolled oats work perfectly in this recipe!

→ How long will these bars last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these breakfast bars?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

→ What can I substitute for almond butter?

You can use peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut butter of your choice.