Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Soft and chewy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are both delicious and easy to make. They combine the sweetness of bananas, the nutty crunch of oats, and the rich indulgence of chocolate chips in one perfect bar. Perfect for an after-school snack, a simple dessert, or with your morning joe.

Yummy breakfasts with banana and oatmeal

The combination of banana and oatmeal is a match made in breakfast heaven! While ripe bananas add a natural sweetness, oats add heartiness and texture. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory breakfast, these two ingredients create a variety of satisfying options to start your day.

My favorites range from a creamy banana oatmeal smoothie packed with protein and vitamins to chewy banana oatmeal breakfast cookies that are perfect for a grab-n-go breakfast, to fluffy banana chocolate chip muffins that are bursting with flavor. You can never go wrong with any of these amazingly yummy breakfast treats.

Why you'll love these banana chocolate chip oatmeal bars

Easy to Make: All you need is one bowl and a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, they’re a great way to use up that ripe banana sitting on your counter.

Two Favorites in One Bar: These chocolate chip banana oatmeal bars are like a cross between your favorite banana bread bars and oatmeal bars.

Healthy & Sweet: Healthy breakfast bars that double as the perfect sweet treat.

Perfect Combination: The combination of oats, banana, and chocolate chips creates the best texture - chewy, soft, and completely irresistible. And with a touch of cinnamon and maple syrup, they’re the perfect mix of healthy and sweet.

Simple and Wholesome Ingredients

These bars come together with simple ingredients, so there’s no need to run to the store. You can find the exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.

• Ripe Banana: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, making these bars soft and chewy. It’s also a great way to use up that last banana!
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds structure.
• Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bars while adding a hint of molasses flavor.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds an extra layer of sweetness with a slightly caramelized taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and makes these bars buttery and delicious.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and brings everything together.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds texture and makes the bars a little heartier.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bars structure while keeping them tender.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the flavors of banana and chocolate.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and gives them a soft, chewy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Because who doesn’t love chocolate? The melty chocolate chips make these bars extra indulgent. Or for an even healthier option, try dark chocolate chips.

How to make banana chocolate chip oat bars

Making these bars couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious, chewy bars ready to enjoy in no time.

1. In a large bowl, combine mashed banana, egg, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir or beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until combined. The mixture will be thin.
2. Fold in rolled oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Stir in ¾ cup chocolate chips.
4. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper then spray with cooking spray. Place the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Sprinkle on ¼ to ½ cup chocolate chips depending on your love of chocolate.
6. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. It is hard to say exactly how long as it all depends on the moisture in the bananas.

For best results let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes or more before cutting. I like to place the pan in the refrigerator for a few hours to make these bars easier to cut. The entire family will enjoy them for breakfast, a healthy snack, or even dessert.

Recipe variations: Make them your own!

These baked oatmeal bars are super versatile, and there are plenty of ways to mix things up based on your taste:

• Nuts for Nuts?: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for a crunchy twist. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the oats and bananas.
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Swap out the butter for creamy peanut butter (cashew butter or any nut butter) for delicious peanut butter oatmeal bars.
• Add Some Dried Fruit: For extra texture and sweetness, toss in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins.
• Switch Up the Chips: Not feeling the semi-sweet chocolate chips? No problem! Try swapping them out for butterscotch chips, caramel chips, white chocolate chips, or even chocolate chunks.

Recipe tips: Get the best bars every time!

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots will add more sweetness and moisture to these banana oat bars.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.
3. Cool Before Cutting: Letting the bars cool completely makes them much easier to slice. If you’re in a rush, pop them in the fridge for a bit to speed up the cooling process.

Serving suggestions: Perfect for any time of the day

These Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

• Breakfast On-the-Go: These bars are great for a quick and easy breakfast. Pair one with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.
• Afternoon Snack: They make a perfect snack when you need a little something sweet to get you through the day. Enjoy with a glass of milk or almond milk.
• Dessert: Warm them up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The gooey chocolate chips and soft banana flavor will have you coming back for seconds!

How to store and freeze banana oat bars

Store: Place the cooled leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Freeze: Cool bars then wrap the individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave.

More breakfast recipes with oatmeal or bananas

• Air Fryer Baked Oats
• Banana Bread Waffles
• Banana Donuts
• Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
• French Toast Overnight Oats
• Peach Oatmeal Muffins

Find lots of easy breakfast recipes right here on 2CM!

LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.