Can I use instant oats?

You can, but the texture becomes softer and less toothsome. For the best chew, use rolled oats.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes — if you use certified gluten-free oats. Oats themselves sometimes cross-contaminate, so check the label.

Can I make the bars nut-free?

Absolutely. Skip nut add-ins and use seed alternatives if you want extra protein.

How do I keep bars from drying out?

Store them airtight and consider a small slice of apple in the container to add humidity back into the bars.

Are these suitable for kids?

Definitely. They’re an excellent entry under Healthy Baked Snacks For Kids — portable, tasty, and wholesome.

What to Do with Extra Bananas? Try These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars

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These banana oatmeal bars blend mashed ripe bananas with wholesome oats for a chewy, naturally sweet snack. They’re simple to mix in one bowl and versatile enough for breakfast, an afternoon bite, or a grab-and-go treat. Toss in extras if you like — nuts, seeds, or chocolate bits all work.

Author: Irma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

3 very ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
Stir in the oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, and vanilla. Mix until the ingredients form an even batter.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
Bake 25–30 minutes, or until the top takes on a light golden color and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out to slice into squares.

Notes

For extra texture, fold in ½ cup chopped nuts, seeds, or dark chocolate chips before baking.
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
Calories: 150
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Find it online: https://irmacooks.com/what-to-do-with-extra-bananas-banana-oatmeal-bars/