I still remember the first time I baked these Banana Oatmeal Bars—it was one of those moments in the kitchen when things just clicked, and a simple snack turned into a beloved family classic. My kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of ripe bananas and cinnamon, and I knew I had stumbled onto something truly special. These Banana Oatmeal Bars quickly became a staple in our home, especially during busy school mornings when grabbing a quick, wholesome bite felt like a blessing.
Banana Oatmeal Bars are a perfect example of a snack that’s both comforting and nutritious. They remind me of those lazy Sunday afternoons when my kids and I would bake together, making a mess of flour and laughing all the while. I always struggled getting my kids to eat something healthy yet delicious until I perfected this recipe. The best part? These bars are moist chewy banana bars that feel like a treat but pack the goodness of oats and fruit—ideal as homemade granola bars and healthy snack bars rolled into one.
Creating these banana oat breakfast bars has become part of our rhythm, a small moment of joy I look forward to each week. If you’ve ever wrestled with finding gluten free oatmeal bars that don’t taste dry or bland, you totally get the struggle! I learned what works and what doesn’t the hard way, trying to balance texture and flavor until these bars hit just right. The best thing about this recipe is that it fits so seamlessly into a busy family life while being something you can feel good about serving.
I first discovered the magic of using ripe bananas with rolled oats when browsing a recipe for soft and chewy banana bread granola bars from Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Granola Bars | running with spoons. That inspired me to put my own twist on Banana Oatmeal Bars, making them simpler and more accessible with pantry staples. Baking them quickly became my go-to since they’re easy enough to whip up last minute yet nourishing enough to keep the whole family happy.
I want to invite you to give this recipe a try in your kitchen, especially if you’re after that perfect balance of moist chewy banana bars and wholesome oats. Whether you’re packing lunches or looking for gluten free oatmeal bars that even the pickiest eaters love, these Banana Oatmeal Bars might just be your new best friend. I promise, once you make them, you’ll understand why they’re such a hit here at Delilita.
Plus, if you love homemade granola bars like these Banana Oatmeal Bars, you might want to peek at some of my other family favorites like my pumpkin bars recipe, perfect for fall snacking, or the crowd-pleasing Halloween Oreo brownie bars when you want something a bit more indulgent. For a fresh apple twist, try salted caramel apple crumble bars; they’re another delightful treat I make when the seasons change.
What You’ll Need for This Banana Oatmeal Bars
To create these Banana Oatmeal Bars, having the right ingredients is key. Here’s what I always keep on hand for making these wholesome treats that double as healthy snack bars or banana oat breakfast bars:
- 2 large ripe bananas (the riper, the better for natural sweetness and moisture)
- 2 cups rolled oats (I prefer old-fashioned oats for the right texture)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for that touch of natural sweetness)
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (adds richness and healthy fats)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (brings out the banana flavor beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a warm, comforting spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps the bars rise just enough)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances flavor)
- Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries

I always select really ripe bananas for these Banana Oatmeal Bars because the natural sugars develop, making the bars so moist chewy banana bars that you’ll crave again and again. You can usually pick ripe bananas that are perfect for baking at any grocery store’s “reduced price” section—that’s a great way to save when making homemade granola bars like these.
When shopping, rolling oats labeled gluten-free work just fine for those needing gluten free oatmeal bars, ensuring the bars stay safe for sensitive diets. I’ve found that pre-measuring your dry ingredients the night before can save precious time when you want to make these bars on busy mornings.
Here’s a Banana Oatmeal Bars trick I swear by: add a bit of peanut butter or an extra splash of vanilla extract to enhance the natural flavors even more. If you’re using add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, toast the nuts lightly to deepen the flavor—a little step that’s totally worth the few minutes.
Leftover ingredients like oats and cinnamon store well in airtight containers in the pantry, so you can keep your kitchen ready for the next baking session. Honey and maple syrup don’t spoil quickly either, so you’re always set to whip up a batch of banana oat breakfast bars anytime.
For more ingredient inspiration and tips on these dense, moist chewy banana bars, check out the simple 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars – The Roasted Root guide.
Let’s Make This Banana Oatmeal Bars Together
Ready to dive into the kitchen? Making Banana Oatmeal Bars is easier than you might expect. Let’s walk through it step-by-step so you feel like I’m right there with you—soothing any baking jitters and sharing little tips from years of making these healthy snack bars.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step saves you scrubbing and keeps your bars intact.
- Mash your ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. I like to use a fork or a potato masher. You want the bananas to be mostly lump-free, as this helps the Banana Oatmeal Bars hold together better and stay moist chewy banana bars.
- Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir together until everything’s well combined—your mixture should be smooth but thick.
- In a separate bowl, mix your oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Combining dry ingredients first helps distribute everything evenly in the Banana Oatmeal Bars.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until no oat patches remain. Don’t overmix here; you want just enough to blend it all.
- If you’re adding anything extra like chocolate chips or nuts, fold those in last. I’ve learned the hard way with Banana Oatmeal Bars that folding them in at the end prevents the add-ins from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Your Banana Oatmeal Bars batter will be thick but scoopable.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Trust me, overbaking can dry out your moist chewy banana bars, so checking at 25 is a good habit.
- While your Banana Oatmeal Bars bake, use this time to tidy up the kitchen or prep coffee (my favorite way to multi-task).
- Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. I learned that trying to cut them warm makes a crumbly mess, but once cooled, they slice beautifully into squares perfect for packing.
- Use the parchment overhang to pull the bars out in one block, then cut into 12 pieces for perfectly portioned banana oat breakfast bars.
If you need help troubleshooting or want to see a video guide, Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars – Sally’s Baking has this lovely recipe for peanut butter banana chocolate chip oatmeal bars that complements this method wonderfully!
How I Love to Serve This Banana Oatmeal Bars
My family absolutely adores these Banana Oatmeal Bars for breakfast on-the-go and afternoon healthy snack bars to curb hunger before dinner. I typically serve them alongside a glass of milk or a refreshing cup of tea. When mornings are rushed, these bars make slipping in nutrition simple without sacrificing flavor or feeling like “just another snack.”
For a little extra punch, I sometimes pair them with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to add some brightness and crunch. They are also perfect beside a yogurt bowl—a combo that my kids love during weekend brunch.
These bars really shine for occasions when you want homemade granola bars that offer comfort without complexity. I find them perfect for back-to-school lunches or even packing for a family picnic. Friends always ask for this Banana Oatmeal Bars recipe after trying them at potlucks or playdates, which is such a wonderful compliment!
If you have extra Banana Oatmeal Bars lying around (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen often!), try crumbling them over ice cream or blending into your morning smoothie for an oat-infused twist. They also freeze well, just wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and popped into a freezer bag. Just thaw a bar or two the night before for a quick, wholesome breakfast.
Seasonally, I like to mix things up by adding pumpkin puree or swapping cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall vibe, similar to what I do with my pumpkin bars recipe. For holiday spins, a handful of dried cranberries or chopped nuts warms them right up.

Your Banana Oatmeal Bars Questions Answered
I get so many sweet messages asking about Banana Oatmeal Bars—so I figured I’d share some common questions that come up when you’re making these homemade granola bars at home!
Q: Can I make these Banana Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. I’ve had several friends with gluten sensitivities who swear by these gluten free oatmeal bars as a safe and delicious snack.
Q: How do I keep my Banana Oatmeal Bars moist and chewy, not dry?
This was a struggle at first! My pro tip is not to overbake and to use really ripe bananas. Also, adding a touch of peanut butter helps keep them from drying out. Too long in the oven turns them crumbly, which is less yummy.
Q: Can I freeze Banana Oatmeal Bars?
Yes! I wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a sealed bag in the freezer. When needed, I thaw them overnight and sometimes give them a quick zap in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-bakery feel.
Q: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
For sure. My family loves chocolate chips in theirs, making these Banana Oatmeal Bars feel like a treat. Nuts add a great crunch and extra protein, so customize to what your family likes.
Q: Do these bars keep well, or do they need to be eaten fast?
They keep well in an airtight container at room temp for about 3–4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long here! You can also refrigerate to extend freshness slightly.
Q: Are these bars kid-friendly?
Totally! My kids love these banana oat breakfast bars, and I know other parents who appreciate the balance of taste and nutrition. Plus, they’re great for sneaking in whole oats without complaints.
Q: How soon can I eat my Banana Oatmeal Bars after baking?
I always recommend waiting until fully cooled—cutting immediately can lead to crumbling. But if you’re impatient like me, letting them rest for at least 20-30 minutes works okay.
If you want some handy tips about mixing banana oat breakfast bars or more recipe inspiration, you might enjoy this Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Granola Bars guide or Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars – Sally’s Baking for endless ideas.
My Final Thoughts on This Banana Oatmeal Bars
This Banana Oatmeal Bars recipe truly holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just food—it’s part of my family’s story and the little moments we share. From the first smell wafting from the oven to watching my kids’ faces light up on hectic mornings, these bars bring comfort and easy nutrition to our busy lives.
My Banana Oatmeal Bars Pro Tips:
– Always use very ripe bananas for the best moisture and sweetness.
– Do not overbake; a toothpick with moist crumbs is ideal.
– Fold in add-ins gently at the end to keep the texture balanced.
Over the years, my family has enjoyed variations like swapping peanut butter for almond butter, adding mini chocolate chips, or stirring in shredded coconut. My youngest adores the classic with just cinnamon and bananas, while my husband is all about the chocolate chunk edition. I hope you find your favorite way to enjoy these gluten free oatmeal bars.
If you want more homemade granola bars that fit different moods and seasons, try pumpkin bars or the delicious Halloween Oreo brownie bars I mentioned earlier. I genuinely hope your Banana Oatmeal Bars journey fills your kitchen with warmth, and your family with meals that bring smiles.
Can’t wait to hear what you think once you give these bars a whirl. Remember, making banana oat breakfast bars is as much about the joy of sharing as it is about the snack itself — so savor every bite and happy baking, friend!
Banana Oatmeal Bars
Delicious and wholesome Banana Oatmeal Bars made with ripe bananas and hearty oats, perfect for a nutritious snack or breakfast on the go.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the bananas and mix until fully combined.
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until evenly mixed.
- If using, fold in mini chocolate chips or raisins.
- Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
For a protein boost, add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds to the mixture before baking.

