These Mini Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars are soft, wholesome, and so easy to love. They’re naturally sweet, full of cozy banana flavor, and perfect for breakfast meal prep or a quick, nourishing snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2–3 tbsp mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts
- Swap: Use oat milk for a dairy-free version
Steps
- Mash the bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth they’ll add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Whisk in the egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. The mixture should look creamy and well-blended.
- Stir in the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Don’t worry if it looks loose; the oats will absorb the moisture as it bakes.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if you’d like a little extra texture.
- Spread the batter into a parchment-lined mini baking dish or an 8×8 pan for thinner bars.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into mini bars they hold together better once rested.
Chef’s Tips
- For firmer bars, bake an extra 3–5 minutes; for softer bars, pull them right at 20 minutes.
- If your bananas aren’t very ripe, add an extra teaspoon of sweetener.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days they stay wonderfully moist.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Banana Bars: Add 2 tbsp peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- Berry Banana Bars: Fold in 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Chocolate Banana Bars: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder and extra chocolate chips on top.
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy a bar warm with a drizzle of honey, or chill them for a grab-and-go breakfast that feels both nourishing and sweet.