Cinnamon Banana Oatmeal Bars
These deliciously hearty Cinnamon Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delightful twist on classic banana treats. Inspired by a beloved recipe from the now-gone BHG Hometown Cooking magazine, these bars feature layers of wholesome oats and chunks of tender banana without needing to mash the fruit into the batter. The combination of cinnamon chips adds a warm, sweet spiciness that complements the bananas perfectly. With a satisfying texture and a balanced sweetness, these bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, snack time, or a sweet treat at any time of day. You'll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
20
Servings
170
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Rolled oats
2 cups (Uncooked)
Finely chopped toasted almonds
2/3 cup (Optional, toasted)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (Lightly packed)
Butter
1 cup (Softened)
Bananas
4 medium (Quartered lengthwise and sliced (about 3 cups))
Cinnamon baking chips
1 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, toasted almonds (if using), baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
5
Press half of this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan to form the base crust.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crust starts to turn a light golden brown.
7
Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and layer the sliced bananas over the top, distributing them evenly.
8
Sprinkle the cinnamon baking chips over the bananas, followed by the remaining oat mixture. Gently press the top layer down using the back of a pancake turner or your fingertips to ensure it adheres.
9
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and firm to the touch.
10
Remove from the oven and allow the bar to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
11
Once completely cooled, cut into bars of your desired size. Enjoy fresh or store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
9.8g
Fat
19.5g
Carbs
2.1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Banana Oatmeal Bars?
They are a hearty and delicious snack bar featuring layers of wholesome oats, sliced bananas, and sweet cinnamon baking chips.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
What is the calorie count per bar?
Each bar contains approximately 170 calories.
Do I need to mash the bananas for these bars?
No, unlike many banana recipes, these bars use bananas that are quartered lengthwise and sliced instead of mashed.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What kind of oats are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked rolled oats.
Are the almonds mandatory for this recipe?
No, the finely chopped toasted almonds are an optional ingredient.
How long does the crust need to bake initially?
The base crust should be baked for approximately 15 minutes or until it turns light golden brown.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 15 minutes for the crust and an additional 25 minutes after adding the toppings.
How should I store leftover banana oatmeal bars?
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 13x9-inch baking pan.
Should I grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking pan.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of softened butter.
What kind of sugar is used for the base?
The recipe uses 1 and a half cups of lightly packed brown sugar.
How do I prepare the bananas for the filling?
Quarter the four medium bananas lengthwise and then slice them to create about 3 cups of fruit.
What gives these bars their spicy sweetness?
The spicy sweetness comes from the addition of 1 cup of cinnamon baking chips.
How do I ensure the top layer adheres to the bars?
Gently press the top oat layer down using the back of a pancake turner or your fingertips before the final bake.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each bar contains 9.8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one bar?
There are 19.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each serving contains 2.1 grams of protein.
Can I cut the bars while they are hot?
It is recommended to let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream them together using a hand mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the purpose of the baking soda in this recipe?
The 1 teaspoon of baking soda acts as a leavening agent for the oat mixture.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly browned and feels firm to the touch.
Can these bars be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, their hearty oat and fruit content makes them perfect for an on-the-go breakfast.
What inspired this specific recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a dish from the former BHG Hometown Cooking magazine.
What is the texture of these bars?
They have a satisfying, crumbly texture from the oats with tender chunks of fruit throughout.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Are these bars served fresh?
They can be enjoyed fresh after cooling or stored for later consumption.