Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out natural flavors and texture. I always reach for ripe, spotty bananas—they add sweetness and moisture without overpowering the bars. Rolled oats are my favorite here; they give a chewy bite and heartiness that quick oats just can’t match. When it comes to mix-ins, I trust quality nuts or dark chocolate chips, depending on my mood. As someone who’s learned the importance of ingredient quality from both English countryside markets and bustling US kitchens, I believe these little choices make a big difference.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth—some small lumps are fine for texture.
- Add the honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture gently, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in your choice of nuts or chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
