Banana Oat Breakfast Bars

Name: Banana Oat Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups old-fashioned oats; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: 1/2 cup nuts or chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Light Kitchen Magic

I absolutely love starting my day with these banana oat breakfast bars! They are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with wholesome ingredients that keep me energized throughout the morning. With ripe bananas, oats, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars provide the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. I often make a batch on Sundays, so I have an easy grab-and-go breakfast option ready for busy weekdays. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll totally understand why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen!

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:09:36.482Z

When I first experimented with these banana oat breakfast bars, I was looking for a healthy yet satisfying morning option. The combination of mashed bananas and oats creates a chewy texture that I really enjoy. I even added a handful of nuts for a little crunch, which turned out to be the perfect touch!

I've made these bars countless times, and I've found that letting the mixture sit for a few minutes before baking helps the oats absorb more moisture. This little tip ensures that the bars come out soft and flavorful every time. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have some on hand!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and honey.
Perfectly chewy texture with a nourishing crunch from oats.
Versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite mix-ins.

Perfecting the Texture

The balance of ingredients in these banana oat breakfast bars is crucial for achieving a chewy yet slightly crunchy texture. The old-fashioned oats are essential, as they absorb moisture while providing structure. If you choose quick oats, the bars may turn out too mushy. I prefer using rolled oats for that ideal chewy bite, giving you something to sink your teeth into as you enjoy your morning treat.

Bananas act as both a sweetener and a binder in this recipe. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will become. Aim for bananas that are nicely speckled with brown spots—these are perfect for mashing and will yield the best results. If you find yourself short on bananas, you could substitute unsweetened apple sauce in a pinch, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Customization and Variations

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the almond butter for peanut butter, or even try sun butter if you need a nut-free option. Additionally, adding mix-ins can elevate your breakfast bars. Consider tossing in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or seeds such as chia or flaxseed for an added nutritional boost. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if needed.

For a different flavor profile, think about incorporating spices like nutmeg or even a pinch of ginger. These can enhance the existing flavors of the banana and oats, making your bars unique with every batch. If you enjoy chocolate, don’t hesitate to use dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Just be mindful of the heat during baking to prevent burning the edges, which can happen quickly with sugary additions.

Ingredients

Gather these wholesome ingredients for your banana oat breakfast bars:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: 1/2 cup nuts or chocolate chips

Mix well and ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your breakfast bars:

Preheat the oven

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

Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, honey, almond butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

Combine mixtures

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. If using, stir in the nuts or chocolate chips.

Spread and bake

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Cool and cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in spices like nutmeg or cardamom. If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to increase the honey or maple syrup as desired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Making these breakfast bars ahead of time can simplify your mornings significantly. After cutting the cooled bars, store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to prepare a larger batch, consider freezing some. Wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag can keep them fresh for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen bar, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 15-20 seconds to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste without the wait. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you want to avoid a rubbery texture.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your bars are too crumbly, it likely means there wasn't enough moisture in the mixture. In that case, you can add a splash more almond milk or another binding agent, like an extra mashed banana, to help hold everything together. Conversely, if the bars are excessively dense, you may have added too many dry ingredients. A careful balance is key, so measuring accurately can help prevent this issue.

In terms of baking, keep an eye on the bars as they approach the 25-minute mark. Ovens can vary, and you may need to adjust baking times. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges appear golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If they appear too dark on the edges but undercooked in the middle, consider reducing the oven temperature slightly and baking longer to ensure an even cook.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture that I really enjoy.

→ How do I store the breakfast bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add dried fruits, seeds, or even a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes, these bars can be gluten-free!