Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, making them perfect for these bars. The more spots on the banana skin, the sweeter and better they will be for baking.

How do I store the bars after baking?

You should store your banana snack bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their freshness, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Can I substitute oats with another grain?

You can use quick oats or steel-cut oats as a substitute, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture. Always check if you need to adjust the liquid to ensure the right consistency.

Are these bars suitable for vegans?

Yes! If you use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your nut butter is vegan-friendly, these banana snack bars are perfect for a vegan diet.

What can I add to these bars for extra flavor?

Consider adding nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. Spices like nutmeg or adaptogenic herbs can also enhance benefits without compromising taste.

Banana Snack Bars: 5-Ingredient Energy Boosters

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 ripe bananas
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional add-ins (nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit) as desired

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
Mix in honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In another bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding in any optional add-ins.
Pour and evenly spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden; let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

You can replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Wrap individual bars for quick snacks on busy days.

Author: james_walker
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snacks
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 75mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg