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
Scale
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.
