Craving a delicious and Healthy Breakfast for Busy Mornings? These Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars are your new go-to. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for grabbing on your way out the door.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rolled Oats: Do not use instant oats; steel-cut oats will change the texture significantly.
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy or chunky works. For nut allergies, use sunflower seed butter.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Milk: Any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) or dairy milk works.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 9 bars
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This makes for easy removal later.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
4. Add Optional Mix-ins
If you’re using chocolate chips or chopped nuts, gently fold them into the oatmeal mixture now. This adds extra flavor and texture to your bars.
5. Bake the Bars
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the baked oatmeal bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them firm up and prevents crumbling. Once cooled, cut into 9 squares and enjoy your Healthy Breakfast for Busy Mornings!
Variation Ideas
- Berry Boost: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Goodness: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for warmth.
- Coconut Craze: Mix in ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store your Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature. These are perfect for your Healthy Breakfast for Busy Mornings plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use instant oats? No, instant oats will result in a mushy texture. Stick to rolled oats for the best results.
- Are these bars gluten-free? Yes, if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! They are excellent for meal prep and taste great for days.
- How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough? Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel; these are sweeter and mash easily.
- Can I reduce the sugar? You can reduce the maple syrup, but it might slightly affect the moisture and sweetness.
- Can I add protein powder? You can stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder with the dry ingredients.
