Banana Oat Bars

Banana Oat Bars

Banana Oat Bars are a fantastic snack that you can enjoy any time of the day! They are easy to make, healthy, and delicious. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and peanut butter, these bars are packed with energy and nutrition. Whether you need a quick breakfast or a post-workout snack, Banana Oat Bars are a perfect choice.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Banana Oat Bars is a great idea for several reasons. First, they are simple to prepare with just a few ingredients. Second, they are healthy, providing a good source of fiber and protein. Third, they are customizable; you can adjust the sweetness or even add other ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips. Plus, they are a fun way to use up ripe bananas!

How to Make Banana Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (8 oz / 225g in total)
• ¼ cup (60 g) peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 2 cups (200 g) rolled oats
• ½ cup (50 g) protein powder (as a replacement for ½ cup / 50g rolled oats)
• 2 to 4 tbsp maple syrup (optional for sweeter bars)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 7 x 7 inch (15 x 15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
3. Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. For sweeter bars, stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the rolled oats and, if using, the protein powder. Stir until fully combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of milk or a bit more peanut butter.
5. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

How to Serve Banana Oat Bars

You can serve Banana Oat Bars as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. They are great on their own or paired with yogurt or fresh fruit. You can also enjoy them with a drizzle of extra nut butter or a sprinkle of nuts on top.

How to Store Banana Oat Bars

Store your Banana Oat Bars in an airtight container. They can last for up to a week at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can freeze individual bars and take them out as needed.

Tips to Make Banana Oat Bars

• For a different flavor, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• If you want a nuttier taste, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds.
• You can make them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.

Variation

Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even swap out the peanut butter for almond butter or another nut butter of your choice.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different.

2. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, if you use a plant-based protein powder and choose maple syrup as your sweetener, this recipe can be entirely vegan.

3. How can I make these bars more protein-rich?
You can add more protein powder or incorporate ingredients like nuts, seeds, or nut butters to boost the protein content.

Enjoy making your Banana Oat Bars! They are a simple, healthy treat you will love.