Deliciously Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars with Nuts and Dried Fruits

Indulge in the wholesome goodness of these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars, a perfect snack that combines ripe bananas, hearty oats, creamy almond butter, and a medley of nuts and dried fruits

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Deliciously Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars with Nuts and Dried Fruits
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Creative Customization:
Feel free to get creative with add-ins like seeds, different kinds of nuts, or spices. Personalizing the recipe enables you to tailor the bars to your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
Storing for Freshness:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer preservation, consider wrapping them individually and freezing to maintain freshness.
Cutting into Bars:
Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles once the bars are completely cooled. For even and precise cuts, a gentle sawing motion works best, preventing the bars from breaking apart.
Cooling Properly:
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a short period before transferring them to a wire rack. This process helps them firm up as they cool, making cutting easier without crumbling.
Monitoring Baking Time:
Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, so checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time ensures you won’t overbake, resulting in a dry texture.
Preparing the Baking Pan:
Line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal after baking. This prevents sticking and aids in maintaining the shape of the bars when cutting.
Folding in Ingredients:
When combining the wet and dry mixtures, fold gently. This technique helps maintain the airiness of the batter, resulting in lighter bars. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars.
Mixing Dry Ingredients:
Whisking together the dry ingredients like oats, baking powder, and spices in a separate bowl prevents clumping and ensures even distribution. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your final product.
Mashing Bananas:
Ensure the bananas are ripe and soft. Mash them thoroughly using a fork or potato masher until smooth to create a uniform batter. The more mashed they are, the sweeter your bars will be!
Deliciously Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars with Nuts and Dried Fruits

The Complete Guide to Mastering Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars

Creative Customization:
Feel free to get creative with add-ins like seeds, different kinds of nuts, or spices. Personalizing the recipe enables you to tailor the bars to your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
Storing for Freshness:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer preservation, consider wrapping them individually and freezing to maintain freshness.
Cutting into Bars:
Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles once the bars are completely cooled. For even and precise cuts, a gentle sawing motion works best, preventing the bars from breaking apart.
Cooling Properly:
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a short period before transferring them to a wire rack. This process helps them firm up as they cool, making cutting easier without crumbling.
Monitoring Baking Time:
Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, so checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time ensures you won’t overbake, resulting in a dry texture.
Preparing the Baking Pan:
Line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal after baking. This prevents sticking and aids in maintaining the shape of the bars when cutting.
Folding in Ingredients:
When combining the wet and dry mixtures, fold gently. This technique helps maintain the airiness of the batter, resulting in lighter bars. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars.
Mixing Dry Ingredients:
Whisking together the dry ingredients like oats, baking powder, and spices in a separate bowl prevents clumping and ensures even distribution. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your final product.
Mashing Bananas:
Ensure the bananas are ripe and soft. Mash them thoroughly using a fork or potato masher until smooth to create a uniform batter. The more mashed they are, the sweeter your bars will be!
Master Your Recipe with These Pro Tips!
Pair these bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spread of nut butter for an extra boost of protein at breakfast.
Add spices like nutmeg or ginger to change the flavor profile. A dash of cocoa powder can turn this into a chocolatey delight.
For a tropical twist, add unsweetened shredded coconut to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
Cut the bars into smaller squares for kid-friendly snacks or energy bites instead of full-sized bars.
Deliciously Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars with Nuts and Dried Fruits

Deliciously Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars with Nuts and Dried Fruits

Indulge in the wholesome goodness of these Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars, a perfect snack that combines ripe bananas, hearty oats, creamy almond butter, and a medley of nuts and dried fruits. With their sweet, naturally fruity flavor and chewy texture, these bars are an excellent choice for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a delightful afternoon treat. Each bite will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of baked goodness, making them not just nutritious but also heartwarming. Whether you're busy on the go, need a quick energizing snack for your kids, or simply want to indulge in something healthy, these bars have you covered. They're not only easy to make but are also free from refined sugars and packed with fibers, ensuring you feel satisfied. Your family will love these bars, and they'll surely become a staple in your kitchen!

Deliciously Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars with Nuts and Dried Fruits
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Ingredients

For the Base:
01
3 ripe bananas, mashed
02
2 cups rolled oats, gluten-free if needed
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1/2 cup almond butter, smooth or crunchy
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1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, for sweetness
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1 tsp vanilla extract, enhances flavor
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1/2 tsp baking powder, for rise
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1/2 tsp cinnamon, for warmth
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1/4 tsp salt, balances sweetness
For the Add-ins:
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds, adds crunch and protein
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1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, for natural sweetness
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1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, optional for indulgence

Instructions

01
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
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Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, ensuring a uniform dry mixture.
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Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
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Step 5: Fold in the chopped nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips (if using), distributing evenly throughout the batter.
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Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
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Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Step 8: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
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Step 9: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.
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Step 10: Once cooled, slice into bars and enjoy a delicious, healthy snack or breakfast on the go!
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Step 11: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
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Step 12: These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them individually for easy grabbing later.