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Delicious banana oatmeal bars ready to eat

Grandma's Comforting Banana Oatmeal Bars

These comforting banana oatmeal bars are a perfect, wholesome treat. Easy to make and great for breakfast or a snack, they offer a delightful blend of sweet banana and hearty oats.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
Optional Additions
  • ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 8x8 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Whisk or fork
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Parchment paper (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas and then whisk in the applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mixing
  1. In a separate large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, stirring well to distribute.
  2. Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry oat mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix; fold in any optional additions if desired.
Baking and Cooling
  1. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly and evenly into a single layer.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  3. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to firm up before slicing them into 9-12 bars.

Notes

For extra flavor, lightly toast the oats before mixing. These bars are also delicious with a drizzle of melted nut butter after cooling.