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    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.

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

    Soft and chewy, these 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.

    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.

    And if you are looking for a no bake version, try these oatmeal balls!

    Related: Easy Oatmeal Recipes for Babies and Kids

    Jump to:
    • 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

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      Easy Banana Walnut Cake
    • overnight oats with sliced banana, ground walnuts in a bowl.
      Simple Banana Overnight Oats
    • A close up shot of the chocolate banana milkshake in a glass jar.
      How to Make Banana Milkshake
    • 2 slices of French toast with banana, peaches, and syrup.
      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 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes 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, including chocolate chips, carrots, or any of the optional add-ins. 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!

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      Yogurt Granola Bowls (5 Ideas)
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      Healthy Pumpkin Puree Recipes (Kid-Friendly)

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    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. EE Mama says

      August 23, 2023 at 1:01 am

      5 stars
      This is now a staple in our house, but with almond butter. And chocolate chips, always. I try to make two batches at a time to have enough to freeze, but between my toddler and me, these don't last long. I've also added shredded carrots, shredded zucchini, hemp seeds, chia seeds, extra flax, shredded coconut, raisins, sour cherries, pepitas, and even brewer's yeast to turn these into lactation bars. I've really pushed the upper limits of how many add-ins I can do. I do decrease the oats a bit if I'm adding lots of dry. Thank you, Min, for the nutritious recipe!

      Reply
      • Min says

        August 26, 2023 at 7:04 am

        Ooh LOVE LOVE all these ideas! I'm so glad you've loved all the variations and thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Anne says

      August 03, 2023 at 12:07 am

      Hi,

      Would my 11 month be able to eat this? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Min says

        August 03, 2023 at 2:49 pm

        Hi! Yes!

        Reply
    3. Lydia says

      July 17, 2023 at 4:35 pm

      Hi! Any chance I can substitute applesauce for the bananas? Bananas make my kids so constipated unfortunately😥

      Reply
      • Min says

        July 19, 2023 at 2:40 pm

        You may be able to substitute with applesauce although I haven't tried it. Also, while underripe bananas can cause constipation, overripe bananas can actually help!

        Reply
    4. 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
    5. 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
    6. Ernest says

      November 27, 2021 at 12:48 am

      5 stars
      So easy to make and delicious!

      Reply

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    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!

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