Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade Goodness: Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients, these bars are free from the preservatives and additives often found in store-bought options.
- Cost-Effective: Making these bars at home is more economical than purchasing pre-packaged ones, saving you money while providing superior taste.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a post-workout snack, or a midday energy boost.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with add-ins like peanut butter, chocolate chips, or nuts to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 medium overripe bananas
- ¼ cup vegetable or coconut oil
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- Optional: ¼ cup white chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon peanut butter for drizzle
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. For easier removal, you may line it with foil before spraying.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until only small chunks remain.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the oil and brown sugar to the mashed bananas and stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until well combined. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the baking soda. Then, add the whole wheat flour and old-fashioned oats, mixing until just combined; some lumps are acceptable.
- Optional Add-ins: If desired, fold in the white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the center is set and not jiggly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into bars.
- Optional Drizzle: For a peanut butter drizzle, melt the peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl on 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. Drizzle over the sliced bars.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 12 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and protein.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or a cocoa powder swirl to satisfy chocolate cravings.
- Spiced Delight: Enhance the flavor with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for natural sweetness and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy the bars at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance their flavor and softness.
FAQs
What makes these banana breakfast bars healthier than store-bought options?
These bars are made with whole wheat flour, old-fashioned oats, and natural sweeteners, providing more fiber and nutrients compared to many store-bought versions that contain refined sugars and preservatives.
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour in equal amounts; however, using whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients.
Are these bars suitable for vegans?
To make the bars vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and ensure the sugar and chocolate chips used are vegan-friendly.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
The bananas should be overripe with brown spots, as they are sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the flavor and texture of the bars.
Can I add protein powder to these bars?
Yes, you can add a scoop of your preferred protein powder to the batter. You may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the desired consistency.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the oats used are certified gluten-free to accommodate a gluten-free diet.
Banana Breakfast Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Breakfast Bars are a healthy fusion of granola bars and banana bread, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Made with ripe bananas, whole wheat flour, and oats, these bars are naturally sweetened, customizable, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 medium overripe bananas
- ¼ cup vegetable or coconut oil
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- Optional: ¼ cup white chocolate chips, 1 tbsp peanut butter for drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or foil lining.
- Mash Bananas: Mash bananas in a large bowl until only small chunks remain.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in baking soda, followed by whole wheat flour and oats. Lumps are fine.
- Optional Add-ins: Fold in white chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Spread batter evenly into the pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until edges are browned and the center is set.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
- Optional Drizzle: For peanut butter drizzle, melt peanut butter and drizzle over sliced bars.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and texture.
- Add variations like nuts, dried fruits, or spices to suit your preferences.
- Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
