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Chewy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Two chewy banana oatmeal bars topped with visible oats and melted chocolate chips resting on a light plate.
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Make these chewy banana oatmeal bars for a simple, portable breakfast or snack. This recipe uses basic ingredients and yields wholesome, satisfying bars perfect for lunchboxes.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the optional chocolate chips or nuts, if using.
  6. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or your fingers to compact the mixture firmly.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is important for them to set properly.
  9. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 or 16 squares.

Notes

  • For a firmer bar, chill the mixture in the pan for 30 minutes before baking.
  • If you prefer a no-bake version, skip steps 1 and 4. Mix all ingredients together, press into the pan, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm before cutting.
  • These homemade oat snacks store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/chewy-banana-oatmeal-bars-recipe/