Chewy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Delight Bars
Indulge in these scrumptious Chewy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Delight Bars, where the sweet flavor of ripe bananas meets the hearty goodness of oats and the rich, melting chocolate. Perfect as a snack or a dessert, these bars are easy to make and even easier to share. A hint of toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch, making this recipe a family favorite. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat anytime!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
quick-cooking oats
1 cup (Uncooked)
baking powder
1 tablespoon (N/A)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (N/A)
unsalted butter
1 cup (Room temperature)
granulated sugar
1 cup (N/A)
golden brown sugar
1 cup (Packed)
large eggs
2 (N/A)
ripe bananas
3 large (Mashed)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (N/A)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
11.5 ounces (N/A)
pecans
1 cup (Toasted and chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4
Gradually add in both the granulated and brown sugars, beating well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next.
6
Fold in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
7
Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
8
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
9
Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is a golden brown.
11
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing them into 3x2-inch squares. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
10g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chewy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Delight Bars?
These are scrumptious snack or dessert bars that combine the sweet flavor of ripe bananas with hearty oats and rich, melting semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture of the bars will be slightly chewier and less uniform than when using quick-cooking oats.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet to prevent the bars from sticking.
What size baking sheet is recommended for this recipe?
A 15x10x1-inch baking sheet is the recommended size for these bars.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
While butter provides a rich flavor and fluffy texture, you can substitute it with oil, though the bars may be slightly more dense.
How many bananas do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 large ripe bananas, which should be mashed before adding to the batter.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well; just ensure they are thawed and you drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
What is the best way to mash the bananas?
You can use a fork or a potato masher in a bowl until the bananas reach a smooth consistency.
Are the pecans mandatory in this recipe?
No, the pecans are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free bar or simply don't like the crunch.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or sunflower seeds make excellent substitutes if you still want a bit of crunch without using pecans.
How long do these bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for about 40-45 minutes in a preheated oven.
At what temperature should I set my oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips can be used depending on your sweetness preference.
Are these banana oatmeal bars considered a healthy snack?
With ingredients like oats and bananas and only 80 calories per serving, they are a lighter alternative to many traditional desserts.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze very well. Wrap them tightly or place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
What if I don't have golden brown sugar?
You can use regular light brown sugar or white granulated sugar, though the flavor will be slightly less caramel-like.
Can I add other mix-ins like raisins?
Yes, feel free to add raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut to customize the flavor.
Is an electric mixer required?
An electric mixer is recommended for beating the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, but it can be done by hand with a whisk and extra effort.
Why should I let the bars cool before slicing?
Allowing them to cool helps the bars set, making them easier to cut into clean squares without crumbling.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
When sliced into 3x2-inch squares, the recipe yields approximately 25 bars.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, you can halve the ingredients and use a smaller baking pan, such as a 9x9-inch square pan.
Can I use a 9x13 inch pan instead of a baking sheet?
Yes, but the bars will be thicker and will require a longer baking time. Monitor them closely for doneness.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing the flour can lead to a tougher, more bread-like texture rather than a soft, chewy bar.
Are these bars safe for people with nut allergies?
They are only safe if you omit the pecans and ensure all other ingredients are processed in nut-free facilities.
How many calories are in one bar?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving in these bars.
Can I use egg substitutes?
Yes, flax eggs or applesauce can be used as substitutes, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I serve these bars warm?
Yes, they are delicious when served warm, especially if the chocolate chips are still slightly melted.