Cozy Morning Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These cozy morning banana oatmeal bars are the perfect way to start your day with a wholesome, comforting treat. Made with ripe bananas and hearty oats, they’re naturally sweet and easy to customize. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large, very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with a few lumps remaining. Stir in the beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips or walnuts at this point.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• If the batter feels too thick, don’t worry — the bananas’ moisture will keep the bars soft and tender.
• Add dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or a pinch of cardamom for a flavor twist.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave briefly before serving for a warm, comforting bite.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, quick oats can be used but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats provide a heartier bite.

Can I make these bars vegan?

To make vegan bars, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg and use a plant-based butter alternative. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Cozy Morning Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 123 reviews

These Cozy Morning Banana Oatmeal Bars are a comforting and wholesome breakfast treat, blending ripe bananas, rolled oats, and warm cinnamon with a touch of sweetness. Perfectly soft and chewy, they can be customized with chocolate chips or nuts for an extra special start to your day.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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For the Oatmeal Bars

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large, very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting of the bars later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix forms the base of your oatmeal bars.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth with some lumps for texture. Stir in the lightly beaten egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula just until combined—avoid overmixing to maintain soft bars. If desired, fold in chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for added flavor and texture.
5. Bake the Batter: Spread the sticky batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up properly. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into 12 squares. Enjoy your cozy breakfast bars!

Notes

• If the batter feels thick, don’t worry; the ripe bananas provide enough moisture to keep the bars soft and tender.
• Get creative by adding dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or spices like cardamom to customize your bars.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, breakfast bars, healthy banana bars, baked oatmeal bars, easy breakfast recipe, banana snack bars