If you are looking for a wholesome, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then the Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars are bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the cozy spice of cinnamon, and a delightful crumbly texture that makes them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. They combine hearty oats and nutrient-rich ingredients with a tender crumb topping, bringing all the best parts of classic banana bread into a portable, tasty bar that’s 100% plant-based.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples you might already have in your kitchen, but each one plays an essential role in building the flavor, texture, and nutritional goodness of these bars. From creamy almond butter to the natural sweetness of dates and maple syrup, every item has a purpose.
- Very ripe bananas: The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be, giving them that perfect banana bread depth.
- Maple syrup: Adds natural, subtle sweetness that complements rather than overwhelms the other ingredients.
- Almond butter: Provides creaminess and a boost of healthy fats for a satisfying bite.
- Non-dairy milk: Keeps the bars moist and friendly for any plant-based diet.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
- Old fashioned oats: The hearty base that gives the bars a chewy, nutty texture.
- Almond flour: Introduces a delicate nutty flavor and helps add structure.
- Baking powder: Ensures the bars have a lovely lift and aren’t dense.
- Cinnamon: The true star spice that fills these bars with cozy warmth.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Chopped nuts: Adds crunchy texture and makes every bite exciting.
- Shredded coconut (optional): For anyone craving a tropical twist in their crumb topping.
- Chia seeds: Boosts fiber and omega-3 content for a healthy punch.
- Chopped dates: Naturally sweet and chewy, they enhance the bar’s complexity.
- Coconut sugar: A subtle, caramel-like sweetness for the cinnamon crumb topping.
- Sliced ripe banana: Creates a beautiful caramelized layer on top, adding visual appeal and extra banana goodness.
How to Make Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by greasing a 9×9 inch pan to ensure your bars come out effortlessly once baked. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to get everything ready for the magic to happen.
Step 2: Mash Bananas and Maple Syrup
Mash the two very ripe bananas with the maple syrup until you get a smooth, sweet base. Spread this mixture evenly across your prepared pan and bake for about 12 minutes until it starts to gently bubble, releasing that delicious banana aroma.
Step 3: Mix in Almond Butter, Milk, and Vanilla
Remove the pan from the oven carefully, then stir in the almond butter until the mixture is rich and creamy. Add the plant-based milk and the vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and unified. This step is key to keeping your bars moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients and Add-ins
Gently fold in the oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nuts, chia seeds, and chopped dates. This combination creates the perfect blend of textures, from chewy oats to crunchy nuts, making every bite a delight.
Step 5: Add Banana Slices and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the coconut sugar with additional cinnamon. Slice one ripe banana thinly and arrange the slices neatly over the oat mixture. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top to form the crave-worthy cinnamon crumb delight layer.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Caramelized
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set, bars feel firm to the touch, and the banana slices begin to caramelize into a golden, irresistible glaze.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool for 20 to 25 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps them set perfectly, making it easy to cut clean bars without crumbling. Once sliced, you have beautiful, tasty bars ready to enjoy or store for later.
How to Serve Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top adds a lovely finishing touch. For a fresh twist, a few slices of fresh banana or a dusting of shredded coconut can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a creamy plant-based latte to create a cozy snack time experience. A handful of fresh berries or a bowl of vegan yogurt also complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars stacked with a dollop of vegan whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a dessert-worthy treat. Alternatively, wrap individual bars in parchment paper for grab-and-go snacks that are perfect for packed lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture. This makes your busy weekdays more manageable with a healthy, homemade snack always on hand.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy your Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe anytime you like.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through. This brings back that freshly baked charm and melts the cinnamon crumb topping slightly — pure bliss!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh ripe bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great and can even add extra moisture and sweetness once thawed. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing them in.
What types of nuts work best for this recipe?
Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all bring wonderful texture and flavor. Feel free to use your favorite or a combination to add variety and crunch.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure that your almond flour is also gluten-free, these bars will be safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I substitute almond butter with another nut or seed butter?
Definitely! Sunflower seed butter or peanut butter can be used if you want to change up the flavor or have a nut allergy. Just keep the same quantity.
How sweet are these bars, and can I reduce the sugar?
They have a pleasant natural sweetness mainly from ripe bananas, maple syrup, and dates, balanced by the cinnamon spice. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the maple syrup slightly without compromising the texture.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe are a true joy to make and even more of a joy to eat. Whether you need a nutritious breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a simple dessert, they hit all the right notes with wholesome ingredients and cozy flavors. I genuinely encourage you to try making them for yourself — once you do, I bet they’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection, just like they are in mine.
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Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, delicious snack combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with hearty oats, almond flour, and warming cinnamon. Topped with caramelized banana slices and a cinnamon-sugar crumb, they offer a delightful twist on classic banana bread in a convenient, portable bar form. Perfect for breakfast or a midday treat, these bars are plant-based, naturally sweetened, and packed with fiber and healthy fats.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 very ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (plant-based milk of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 3–4 chopped dates (soaked if needed)
Topping
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ripe banana, sliced into 2 mm thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×9 inch brownie or lasagna pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mash Bananas and Maple Syrup: In a bowl, mash the 2 very ripe bananas with 1/4 cup maple syrup until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake Initial Banana Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the banana and maple syrup mixture for about 12 minutes until it starts to simmer and bubble, indicating it’s heated through and slightly set.
- Add Almond Butter, Milk, and Vanilla: Remove the pan carefully from the oven. Stir in 2 tablespoons almond butter until well combined into the hot banana mixture. Then add 1 cup non-dairy milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing everything until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Fold in 2 cups old fashioned oats, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup chopped nuts, 2 teaspoons chia seeds, and the chopped dates. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon coconut sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Slice 1 ripe banana into thin 2 mm rounds. Place these banana slices evenly atop the oat mixture in the pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the banana slices. Optionally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded coconut for a subtle tropical flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is set and the banana slices begin to caramelize and turn golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool for 20-25 minutes. This resting time helps the bars to firm up for clean slicing.
- Serve and Store: Carefully slice the cooled bars into 12 portions and remove them from the pan. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them ideal for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and best flavor.
- Chopped dates can be soaked in warm water for 10 minutes if they are too hard to chop easily.
- The almond butter adds creaminess; you may substitute with any nut or seed butter if preferred.
- Non-dairy milk options include almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
- Shredded coconut is optional but adds a nice texture and hint of tropical flavor.
- Ensure bars cool completely before slicing for neat portions.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
