If you have been on the lookout for a wholesome, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe. These bars combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with hearty oats and a crumbly cinnamon topping to deliver a snack that’s not only satisfying but genuinely nourishing. Imagine the cozy aroma of cinnamon and banana filling your kitchen while these bars bake, promising a delightful bite each time. Whether it’s a mid-morning pick-me-up or a comforting dessert, this recipe brings a little slice of joy to your day with every chew.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the mix just right for these bars means choosing simple, yet powerfully tasty ingredients. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s enhancing texture, adding natural sweetness, or infusing that signature banana bread warmth.
- 2 very ripe bananas: The sweeter and softer, the better for rich flavor and natural moisture.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Adds gentle natural sweetness without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons almond butter: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats for richness.
- 1 cup non-dairy milk: Keeps these bars vegan while ensuring the perfect moisture level.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that brings all ingredients together.
- 2 cups old fashioned oats: The foundation of these bars, providing wholesome chew and fiber.
- 1/4 cup almond flour: Adds a delicate nutty note and helps bind the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the bars a light lift for an airy crumb.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses that cozy warmth synonymous with banana bread.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts: Adds crunch and texture; walnuts, pecans, or almonds are perfect.
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional): For a subtle tropical twist.
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds: Boosts nutrition with fiber and omega-3s, plus helps bind.
- 3-4 chopped dates: Natural sweetness and chewy texture to complement the bars.
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar: A final dusting to add a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for that irresistible crumb topping.
- 1 ripe banana: Sliced thinly on top to caramelize as they bake.
How to Make Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the base
Start by greasing a 9×9 inch brownie or lasagna pan to make sure your bars come out cleanly after baking. Then, mash those two very ripe bananas together with the maple syrup until smooth and spread evenly in the pan. This fragrant banana and maple layer creates a flavorful foundation that kicks off the baking magic.
Step 2: Begin baking the banana mixture
Pop your pan into an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 12 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture starts to bubble and simmer, releasing that sweet banana aroma that’s the hallmark of this Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe.
Step 3: Mix in almond butter, milk, and vanilla
Carefully remove the pan and stir in almond butter until well blended. Then add your favorite non-dairy milk and vanilla extract, mixing everything until smooth and luscious. This step adds creaminess and depth, ensuring the oat layer will be moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the dry ingredients
Now fold in your oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, chopped nuts, chia seeds, and chopped dates. Combining these ingredients creates a hearty batter that melds wholesome textures with just the right touch of sweetness and spice, building the body of your bars.
Step 5: Add the topping and second bake
In a small bowl, mix coconut sugar with cinnamon for the crumb topping. Then carefully arrange thin banana slices over the oat mixture and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is set and the banana slices caramelize beautifully, lending a golden finish to your bars.
Step 6: Cool and slice
Once baked, resist the urge to dive right in and let the bars cool for 20 to 25 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up, making slicing into perfect bars a breeze and keeping everything intact when you serve or store.
How to Serve Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delightful on their own but feel extra special when topped with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of almond butter or vegan yogurt. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few toasted nuts on top adds eye-catching texture and boosts flavor.
Side Dishes
These oatmeal bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy plant-based latte. For a fuller breakfast or snack, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream — the contrast in temperature and texture is dreamy!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these bars into smaller bite-sized squares for a party platter, or stack a couple between banana slices and vegan cream cheese for a fun sandwich twist. Wrapped individually, they make perfect on-the-go snacks or thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh batch, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. These bars stay fresh and moist for up to five days, making them an excellent make-ahead option for busy mornings or afternoon snacks.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in parchment and foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth and softness, reheat your bars gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. They regain their comforting texture and the cinnamon aroma fills the air once again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond butter?
Absolutely! Sunflower seed butter or peanut butter work well as substitutes depending on your nut allergies or flavor preferences. Just pick a creamy option for the best bar texture.
Are these bars gluten-free?
They can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all your other ingredients are free from cross-contamination. Always double-check labels to be sure.
What if I don’t have dates?
If dates aren’t on hand, you can swap them with raisins or chopped dried apricots. These add similar sweetness and chewiness that complement the bars superbly.
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Yes! Just leave out the almond flour and chopped nuts. You might want to increase the oats slightly or add a bit more almond butter or a flax egg to keep the bars holding together nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe in smaller quantities?
Definitely. You can halve the recipe and bake in a smaller pan, just keep an eye on the baking time—it may be shorter due to less volume.
Final Thoughts
Making these Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe at home is a joy from start to finish. The simple ingredients come together in an unforgettable way that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with happiness. Whether for breakfast, snack, or dessert, you’ll find yourself reaching for one more bar. Go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to this deliciously cozy creation—you won’t regret it!
Print
Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars with Cinnamon Crumb Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, American-inspired
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Bars featuring ripe bananas, wholesome oats, and a cinnamon crumb topping. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and dates, these bars are a nutritious and flavorful snack or breakfast option that combines the best of banana bread and oatmeal in one easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces 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
- 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 pieces dates, chopped
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 piece ripe banana, sliced into 2 mm thick slices
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×9 inch brownie or lasagna pan to prevent sticking and ensure the bars can be easily removed after baking.
- Mash Bananas & Maple Syrup: Combine the 2 very ripe bananas with 1/4 cup maple syrup and mash together until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly within the prepared pan.
- Preheat & Bake Initial Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the banana and syrup mixture for about 12 minutes until it starts simmering and bubbling, which helps develop flavor and texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Remove the pan from the oven carefully. Stir in the 2 tablespoons almond butter until fully combined, then add 1 cup non-dairy milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate 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. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon coconut sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Slice 1 ripe banana into thin 2 mm rounds and arrange these evenly on top of the oat mixture. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the banana slices.
- Bake Final Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is set and the banana slices are caramelized with a golden brown color.
- Cool & Slice: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for 20 to 25 minutes. After cooling, carefully slice into 12 equal bars and remove them from the pan.
- Storage: Store these vegan banana bread oatmeal bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and flavorful for a convenient snack throughout the week.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute your choice of nuts or omit the shredded coconut if preferred.
- Soaking dates for 10 minutes in warm water can make chopping easier.
- You can use any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Make sure the bars cool completely before slicing to help them hold together.
- These bars are naturally vegan and gluten-free if using gluten-free oats.
- For a sweeter topping, adjust coconut sugar amount or add a drizzle of maple syrup after baking.
