• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MJ and Hungryman

  • About
  • Blog
  • Feeding tips
  • Recipes
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Baby Led Weaning
  • Recipes
  • Feeding tips
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Baby Led Weaning
    • Recipes
    • Feeding tips
    • Resources
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    Soft-Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

    By Min On March 6, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

    Share or Save It for Later!

    Jump to Recipe
    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.

    Soft and chewy, these healthy banana oatmeal bars are super easy to make with just a handful of pantry items. They're the perfect make-ahead, grab-n-go breakfast, snack, or dessert.

    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.

    Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars

    One of the most popular recipes on my blog is this 3 ingredient cookie. It's absolutely amazing just how much yumminess can result from this trio: peanut butter, mashed bananas, and oatmeal.

    So these healthy oatmeal bars were bound to happen! You're going to love this one-bowl recipe made with simple ingredients and no added sugar.

    Jump to:
    • Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
    • Ingredients
    • Add-ins
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Tips for Success
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • More Banana Recipes
    • Banana Oatmeal Bars

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.

    I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.

    • Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) - while quick oats will work too, the texture will be much softer.
    • Overripe bananas - The more ripe they are, the sweeter and more moist the bars will be. So grab ones with lots of brown spots.
    • Creamy peanut butter - Helps bind the bars together and adds protein, healthy fats, and a delicious nutty flavor. Smooth, natural style works best. You can also use any nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter, or seed butter, like sunflower butter.
    • Ground flax seeds - I recommend purchasing whole flaxseeds and grinding them yourself (I love to use my coffee grinder for this). That's because once ground, they go rancid quickly due to their high oil content. And you just don't know how long those bags of ground/milled flaxseeds have been sitting at the store.
    • Baking Powder - gives the bars a little lift and makes them less dense.

    Add-ins

    This is optional but here are some suggestions if you'd like to invite more fun, variety, and nutrition.

    • Dried fruit - like raisins, blueberries, apricots, dates (be sure to finely chop any large fruits)
    • Unsweetened coconut
    • Finely chopped nuts or seeds
    • Finely grated carrots or even zucchini (might sound strange but my kids love it and such an easy way to get more veggies into their bellies)
    • Mini chocolate chips
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    A four image collage of cooking process.
    A two image collage of before and after baking.
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mash bananas in a large bowl using the back of a fork or a potato masher. Try to get it as smooth as possible but small lumps are fine. Measure out 1 cup. Freeze any leftovers. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract.
    2. Combine until well-incorporated.
    3. Add in the oats and the rest of the remaining ingredients
    4. Stir to combine.
    5. Pour the batter into a lined 8 inch square baking pan.
    6. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Remove, cool completely, cut into bars.

    Tips for Success

    • Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean up.
    • Since there's no additional sweetener, use over ripe bananas. If you desire a sweeter banana oat bar, feel free to add some maple syrup.
    • Be sure to measure out the bananas as every banana is different in size . Too much and you can end up with mushy oatmeal bars or if little, the bars will be dry.

    Serving Suggestions

    a straight on shot of two stacked bars.

    These peanut butter oatmeal bars are great as a quick breakfast or easy snack.

    You can enjoy straight from the refrigerator or warmed with extra banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, or whatever toppings you fancy. Totally optional though.

    A lot of times we just grab one as we head out the door for school or wherever life takes us.

    Storage Suggestions

    Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    To freeze, cool completely. Then  flash freeze to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer safe container or bag. Will be good for up to 3 months.

    More Banana Recipes

    • Easy Banana Walnut Cake
    • Simple Banana Overnight Oats
    • How to Make Banana Milkshake
    • Healthy Banana French Toast
    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.

    Banana Oatmeal Bars

    Soft and chewy, these healthy banana oatmeal bars are super easy to make with just a handful of pantry items. They're the perfect make-ahead, grab-n-go breakfast, snack, or dessert.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 16 Squars
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Square Pan

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup mashed overripe bananas (240g), about 2 medium bananas
    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (125g)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 ¾ cups rolled oats (175g)
    • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder

    Optional add-ins: ½ cup

    • grated carrots, chocolate chips, fruit, coconut

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mash bananas in a large bowl using the back of a fork or a potato masher. Try to get it as smooth as possible but small lumps are fine. Measure out 1 cup. Freeze any leftovers.
    • Stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract. Add in the oats and the rest of the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
    • Pour the batter into a lined 8 inch square baking pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Remove, cool completely, cut into bars.

    Notes

    • Since there's no additional sweetener, use over ripe bananas. If you desire a sweeter banana oat bar, feel free to add some maple syrup.
    • Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Or freeze for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 49mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Iron: 1mg
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

    More Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    • Fluffy Vegetable Rice
    • How to Freeze Yogurt
    • Creamy Chicken Orzo
    • Custard Yogurt Toast (Sweet and Savory)

    Share or Save It for Later!

    Share: [addtoany]

    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rachel says

      March 07, 2023 at 3:44 pm

      Is there anything to substitute flax seeds?

      Reply
      • Min says

        March 08, 2023 at 5:47 am

        You can just leave it out or add chia seeds if you have it!

        Reply
    2. Sarah says

      March 07, 2023 at 2:27 pm

      Will using sun butter make these turn green?

      Reply
      • Min says

        March 08, 2023 at 5:47 am

        It will definitely be a different color but won't be green

        Reply
    3. Ernest says

      November 27, 2021 at 12:48 am

      5 stars
      So easy to make and delicious!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    search

    Trending Now

    Three custard yogurt variations sliced into triangles and squares.

    Custard Yogurt Toast (Sweet and Savory)

    Banana mug cake in a cup with sliced banana and peanut butter drizzle.

    Banana Mug Cake

    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.

    Soft-Baked Banana Oatmeal Bars

    stacked spinach baby pancakes

    Easy Spinach Pancakes (with yogurt)

    Cooked pancake slices on a white platter with dipping sauce.

    Korean Vegetable Pancakes (Yachaejeon)

    four cooked english pizza muffin with one of them sliced into three strips

    Easy English Muffin Pizza (with vegetables)

    Jump to Recipe
    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.

    Is your baby 4-6 months old?

    Give your baby a head start on solids even before their first bite!
    I'M READY!
    Jump to Recipe
    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.

    Is your baby 6 months old and up?

    Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
    I NEED IT NOW!
    Jump to Recipe
    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.

    Is your toddler becoming picky?

    Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
    YES, PLEASE!

    popular feeding tips

    A four image collage showing how to serve protein finger foods for baby

    Ultimate Guide to Finger Foods for Baby

    A four image collage of healthy baby snacks including iron.

    Healthy Baby Snacks (Easy and Balanced)

    A four image collage of best baby cereals.

    Best Baby Cereal (2022)

    Four top low sugar cereals for toddlers and kids.

    Best Healthy Cereals for Kids

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2023 MJ & Hungryman LLC · Privacy Policy | Contact

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT