Delicious & Healthy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars: Your New Go-To Recipe

Discover how to make the ultimate healthy, portable, and utterly delicious Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and pure maple syrup, these bars are perfect for a wholesome breakfast, an energizing snack, or a guilt-free dessert.

There’s nothing quite like a comforting baked treat to brighten up even the gloomiest of days. Lately, the weather has been a bit challenging, with remnants from Tropical Storm Brett bringing nonstop rain. While the plants in my garden have been enjoying a break from watering, my daily neighborhood walks have unfortunately been put on hold. I’ll admit, the lack of sunshine and fresh air has left me feeling a little low on energy, leading to an unplanned nap or two in my recliner while I was supposed to be working!

But amidst the grey skies, there’s a silver lining: perfect baking weather. Whether you prefer snuggling up with a good book, binge-watching your favorite show, or getting creative in the kitchen, a rainy day provides the ideal backdrop. For me, the choice is always clear: baking! And specifically, whipping up a batch of these incredible Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars. They truly are a ray of sunshine, even when the real sun is hiding.

These bars are not just a delicious indulgence; they’re also a powerhouse of natural goodness. Sweetened exclusively with ripe bananas and a touch of pure maple syrup, they offer a healthy alternative to many sugar-laden breakfast options. The combination of wholesome oats, rich dark chocolate chips, and crunchy walnuts creates a texture and flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Best of all, they’re incredibly portable, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings, a midday pick-me-up, or even a satisfying dessert. So, if you have some ripe bananas sitting on your counter, let’s transform them into these delightful bars!

Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

Crafting these delicious and wholesome breakfast bars requires a handful of simple, plant-based ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture, contributing to a snack that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The foundation of our bars! Rolled oats provide a hearty, satisfying texture and are packed with fiber, helping you feel full and energized. Using gluten-free certified oats ensures these bars are safe for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.
• Ground Flaxseed: This magical ingredient acts as our vegan egg replacer, binding the bars together beautifully while also adding a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. When mixed with water, it forms a gelatinous “flax egg.”
• Ripe Bananas: The primary sweetener and moistener. Ripe bananas (the ones with plenty of brown spots!) are crucial for their natural sweetness and soft texture, which easily mashes into the batter. They also contribute essential vitamins and potassium.
• Pure Maple Syrup: A natural, unrefined sweetener that complements the banana flavor perfectly. Maple syrup adds a lovely depth of sweetness without relying on processed sugars. Always opt for pure maple syrup for the best results.
• Neutral Nut or Seed Butter: This adds richness, healthy fats, and helps bind the ingredients, creating a chewy texture. Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well. Choose a neutral flavor to let the banana and chocolate shine.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Because what’s a breakfast bar without a little chocolate? Dark chocolate chips provide a delightful burst of rich flavor and antioxidants. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
• Chopped Walnuts: These add a wonderful crunch and another layer of healthy fats and protein. Walnuts are also rich in omega-3s and contribute a subtle nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans or almonds would also be delicious, or you can omit them entirely.

That’s it! With these wholesome ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from a batch of homemade breakfast bars that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

Making these delightful breakfast bars is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal fuss and just one bowl for mixing. Follow these simple steps to ensure perfect, chewy, and flavorful bars every time:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. If you don’t have parchment paper, grease the pan generously with coconut oil or a non-stick spray. A pan of similar size, such as a 9×9 inch pan, will also work, though your bars might be slightly thinner and bake a minute or two faster.
2. Create Your Flax Egg: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with the filtered water. Whisk these two ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the flaxseed to absorb the water and thicken, forming a gelatinous, egg-like consistency that will bind your bars.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the flax egg mixture, add the rest of your wet ingredients: the mashed ripe bananas, pure maple syrup, and your chosen neutral nut or seed butter. Stir everything together very well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. The riper your bananas, the easier they will be to mash and incorporate into the mixture.



4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Now it’s time to add the stars of the show – the oats! Sift the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats into the wet mixture. Mix everything again, ensuring that all the oats are thoroughly coated with the banana and nut butter mixture. This step is crucial for the texture of your bars, so take your time to mix it well but avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and the optional chopped walnuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also a great time to add other mix-ins like shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or a pinch of cinnamon. I personally love the added crunch and nutrition that walnuts bring, but any nuts you enjoy will work perfectly, or you can skip them for a nut-free version.



6. Transfer and Top: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the batter into an even layer, pressing it down slightly to ensure the bars hold together well. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top before baking for a pretty finish and extra flavor.



7. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown around the edges and the bars are set. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
8. Cool Completely: This step is vital! Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice the bars. Cooling allows the bars to firm up and makes them much easier to cut without crumbling. Patience is key here for perfect slices.
9. Slice and Store: Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice them into small, individual bars. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer-term storage, they freeze beautifully for several months.

And there you have it! A batch of wholesome, homemade breakfast bars ready to fuel your week.

The Heart of Our Bars: Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

The star ingredient, and truly the backbone of these delicious breakfast bars, is Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats. If you’ve been following my recipes for a while, you know that these oats are my absolute favorite and a constant staple in my pantry.

What makes these particular oats so special? Beyond their delicious, nutty flavor, I trust Bob’s Red Mill for their unwavering commitment to quality. Their Gluten-Free Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats are not only organic, ensuring you’re getting a product free from harmful pesticides, but they are also rigorously tested and certified gluten-free. This is incredibly important for anyone with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease, as it provides peace of mind that there’s no cross-contamination.

In these banana bars, these oats contribute more than just their wholesome goodness. They add the perfect chewy texture and satisfying bite, transforming the bars into a hearty, fiber-rich, and plant-based protein-packed meal or snack. Their robust nature stands up beautifully to baking, giving the bars structure and a delightful mouthfeel.

I rely on Bob’s Red Mill oats for a variety of my go-to recipes. They’re excellent for classic stovetop oatmeal, perfect for preparing creamy overnight oats, and, as demonstrated here, absolutely ideal for baking. Whether you’re making a warm bowl of breakfast or incorporating them into baked goods, these oats consistently deliver on flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Using them in these bars ensures that every bite is not only delicious but also contributes to a truly healthy and wholesome eating experience.

Meal Prep & Storage: Enjoying Your Bars All Week Long

One of the best features of these Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars is how perfectly they lend themselves to meal preparation. Whipping up a batch on Sunday means you’ll have a healthy and convenient option ready to go for the entire week. This saves precious time during busy mornings and helps keep you on track with your healthy eating goals.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Once the bars have cooled completely and are sliced, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes them an excellent grab-and-go option for breakfasts or snacks throughout your busy work week.
• Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For longer-term storage, these bars are freezer-friendly! Arrange the cooled, sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. This is perfect for always having a healthy option on hand.

Tips for Enjoying Your Bars:

• Chilled from the Fridge: Many people, including myself, love these bars straight from the refrigerator. Their dense, chewy texture is particularly satisfying when cold.
• Warm & Comforting: If you prefer a warmer, softer treat, pop a bar into the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until just heated through. This brings out the warmth of the banana and melts the chocolate chips slightly, making for a truly soul-warming meal.
• On-the-Go Convenience: Their robust nature means they travel incredibly well. Simply grab one (or two!) and you’re set for a healthy breakfast during your commute, a wholesome snack at work, or an energizing treat after a workout.

By investing a small amount of time to make these bars, you’re setting yourself up for a week of easy, delicious, and nutritious eating. Enjoy the convenience and the fantastic flavor!

Beyond the Banana Bar: More Vegan Breakfast Bar Inspirations

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of these Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of healthy, plant-based breakfast bars waiting to be explored. These recipes are perfect for expanding your meal prep repertoire, ensuring you always have a wholesome and satisfying option on hand for busy mornings, quick snacks, or even a healthier dessert. Here are some of my other favorite vegan breakfast bar recipes that I think you’ll adore:

• PB&J Baked Breakfast Bars

  Revisit your childhood favorite in a healthy, portable bar! These PB&J bars combine creamy peanut butter with fruity jam, all baked into a wholesome oat base. They’re a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making them a satisfying start to your day or a nostalgic afternoon treat.

• Fig Newton Breakfast Bars

  If you’re a fan of classic Fig Newtons, you’ll adore this homemade, healthier version. Featuring a sweet, chewy fig filling encased in a soft oat crust, these bars are naturally sweetened and packed with fiber. They’re an elegant yet simple option for a refined breakfast or a delightful snack with your tea.

• Blueberry Maple Baked Breakfast Bars

  Bursting with juicy blueberries and sweetened with the comforting warmth of maple syrup, these baked breakfast bars are a seasonal delight. They’re incredibly moist and flavorful, offering a taste of summer even on a chilly morning. The oats provide sustained energy, while the blueberries add a dose of antioxidants.

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

  Embrace the flavors of autumn with these cozy pumpkin and chocolate chip bars. Spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and featuring the richness of pumpkin puree, these bars are a comforting treat perfect for cooler weather. They’re surprisingly light yet incredibly filling, and the chocolate chips are a delightful addition.

• Nut-Free SunButter Granola Bars

  For those with nut allergies or simply looking for an alternative, these SunButter granola bars are a fantastic choice. Made with sunflower seed butter, they’re completely nut-free, delicious, and still offer that satisfying chewy texture and healthy fats. Perfect for school lunchboxes or communal office snacks!

Each of these recipes brings its unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits, ensuring you’ll find a favorite for every mood and season. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your next go-to vegan breakfast bar!

Share Your Creations with Me!

I absolutely love seeing your culinary adventures! If you make this Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars recipe, please let me know how it turned out. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create more delicious and healthy recipes for you to enjoy.

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review right here on the blog. It’s truly motivating to hear from you!

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XO Lauren

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