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Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

Updated on 5 min read

A cozy, gluten-free treat that smells better than any candle – according to Mom!

🕒 Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 9 bars
  • 🌾 Gluten-Free | 🍫 Naturally Sweetened | 🍌 Dairy-Free Option

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

  • Ripe bananas, mashed
  • Rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
  • Peanut butter or almond butter
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Chocolate chips (dairy-free if preferred)
  • Vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

🔪 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Lightly grease or line an 8×8” baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Mash bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
  3. Add wet ingredients:
    Stir in peanut butter and honey or maple syrup until well combined.
  4. Add dry ingredients:
    Mix in rolled oats, chocolate chips, and a splash of vanilla or a pinch of salt, if using.
  5. Transfer to baking dish:
    Spread mixture evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until golden and set in the center.
  7. Cool & cut:
    Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

💡 Notes

  • These bars are naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free with the right chocolate.
  • Want it extra fudgy? Use super ripe bananas and underbake by 1–2 minutes.
  • Store at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week!

📸 Hero Image

(Image can be added here if available)

📝 Introduction

I baked these Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Bars on a quiet afternoon visiting my mom. When I pulled them out of the oven, she leaned in and said, “These smell better than any candle.” That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Fudgy, warm, and just the right amount of sweet – these bars hit all the right notes. They’re super simple, gluten-free, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prep the Pan

Grease or line an 8×8” pan so your bars don’t stick. Parchment paper works best for easy lifting.

2. Mash the Bananas

Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest, moistest results. Mash until there are no big lumps.

Tip: Two medium bananas should give you about 1 cup mashed.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

Stir in your peanut butter and honey/maple syrup until smooth and well blended.

Tip: Warm the peanut butter slightly if it’s too thick to stir.

4. Fold in Dry Ingredients

Mix in the oats and chocolate chips. Add a splash of vanilla and pinch of salt for extra depth.

Tip: Use mini chips for more even chocolate distribution.

5. Bake

Pour the mixture into your pan, smooth it out, and bake until golden on the edges and firm in the middle.

🧂 Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

Ingredient Highlights:

  • Bananas: Act as a natural binder and sweetener.
  • Rolled Oats: Gluten-free and hearty; avoid quick oats for best texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds richness and helps hold the bars together.
  • Honey/Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that pair perfectly with bananas.

Substitutions:

  • Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
  • Vegan: Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Add-ins:
    • Chopped nuts
    • Dried cranberries
    • Shredded coconut

🍽️ Variations & Serving Ideas

Flavor Variations:

  • Pumpkin Spice Bars: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon + pinch of nutmeg.
  • Mocha Chip: Stir in 1 tsp instant espresso powder for a coffee-kissed treat.
  • Berry Burst: Fold in blueberries or raspberries instead of chocolate.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Slice into mini bars for lunchbox treats.
  • Crumble into yogurt or over smoothie bowls.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Room Temp: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Fridge: Keeps well for 7 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.

🍽️ Nutrition Info (Per Bar – Approx.)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Carbs: 24g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Allergens: Nuts (can substitute), Oats (ensure gluten-free certified)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these without banana?
A: Bananas are key here for texture and sweetness. You could try applesauce, but it will be softer and less fudgy.

Q: Are these good for toddlers or kids?
A: Yes! Just make sure your chocolate chips are small and nut butter is smooth.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yep! Use a 9×13 pan and bake for 5–7 minutes longer.

Q: Can I use steel-cut oats?
A: No, they won’t soften enough. Stick to rolled oats or quick oats in a pinch.

💬 The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe was whipped up on a whim—two bananas going soft, a scoop of peanut butter, and my craving for something homey. I baked a batch while visiting my mom, and her immediate reaction became the title of this post. “These smell better than any candle.”

And they really do. If you’re looking for something that checks all the boxes—easy, healthy-ish, nostalgic, and cozy—these bars are it.

📣 Call to Action

If you make these bars, let me know in the comments below!
Tag me on Instagram @YourHandle and use #BananaBarMagic – I love seeing your bakes!

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