Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

If you’re on the lookout for a delicious, nutritious breakfast that will kick-start your day, then look no further than these Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. They’re not just an ordinary breakfast; they’re a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings and fuel your morning. Bursting with ripe bananas, creamy almond butter, and rich cocoa powder, these bars are both wholesome and indulgent. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious breakfast ready to go whenever you need it.

Why Cooks Rave About It

These Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a hit in kitchens everywhere for several reasons. First and foremost, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. They also pack a nutritional punch, providing fiber and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning. The combination of chocolate, banana, and almond butter creates a delightful flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Lastly, they can be customized with your favorite mix-ins such as nuts, seeds, or additional chocolate chips, making them versatile and fun to make.

What You’ll Gather

• 3 large ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups mashed)
• 1 cup creamy almond butter
• 1 1/2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup to 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 tsp sea salt (to taste)
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl – For combining all your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to great results.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – To mix everything together.
• Baking dish (8×8 inch) – Where the bars will bake to perfection.
• Parchment paper – To line the baking dish for easy removal.
• Oven – To bake the bars until they are set and delicious.

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bars bake evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the bars out easily once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth. You want about 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana, which adds natural sweetness and moisture to your bars.

Step 4: Mix in the Nut Butter

Add in 1 cup of creamy almond butter to the mashed bananas. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix them together until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of quick oats, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 tsp of sea salt, and 1 tsp of ground cinnamon. This mix will give your bars a rich chocolate flavor and a lovely texture.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana-almond butter mixture. Stir until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips at this stage for an extra indulgent touch.

Step 7: Sweeten the Mixture

Pour in 2 tbsp of pure maple syrup and 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined into a thick, sticky batter.

Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Use the spatula to press it down firmly, ensuring an even layer.

Step 9: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the dish and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles, and enjoy your Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars!

International Equivalents

• Bananas: 3 large bananas (approximately 450 grams)
• Almond Butter: 1 cup (approximately 250 grams)
• Quick Oats: 1.5 cups (approximately 150 grams)
• Cocoa Powder: 1/2 cup (approximately 50 grams)
• Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (approximately 30 ml)

Avoid These Traps

• Overripe bananas can be too mushy: Make sure your bananas are ripe but not overly brown for the best texture.
• Not mixing well: Ensure all ingredients are combined thoroughly for even flavor and texture.
• Baking too long: Keep an eye on your bars to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely is essential for them to set properly and hold their shape.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prepare these Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars ahead of time for a quick breakfast option. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying!

Reader Q&A

Can I use other nut butters instead of almond butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sun butter, depending on your preference or dietary needs.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use agave nectar, honey, or even a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting the quantity to taste.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, these Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check the packaging to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or seeds such as chia or flaxseeds to enhance the texture and nutrition of your bars.

Because You Liked This

• Healthy Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
• Banana Bread Oatmeal
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Moist Banana Bread

Ready to Cook?

With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, these Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are perfect for busy mornings or a healthy snack on the go. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or taking them with you, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab those ripe bananas, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!