Vegan Oat Almond Banana Bars {oil-free, gluten-free}

Healthy and delicious vegan oat almond banana bars are great for breakfast, snacks or dessert! They are oil-free, gluten-free and added sugar-free (except for the chocolate chips). Only 5 ingredients, too!

Healthy, Easy Delicious Banana Bars

Oh, the bananas. We keep buying them and eating them, while also allowing countless more to go brown on the countertop.  

So I keep coming up with new ways to use them up. If you are reading this, it’s likely you, too, have some bananas waiting to be mashed and mixed into a delicious treat.

You came to the right place. I found inspiration for a new banana recipe while (re-)making my 3-ingredient Almond Oat Focaccia Bread the other day. Almond flour and oats work in delicious harmony in the recipe. I decided I needed to test drive the combination with some bananas in the mix. 

My banana experiment–Oat and almond flour bars, for breakfast, snacks or dessert– passed the test with high marks!

Oil-Free, Gluten-Free, Banana-Sweetened Bars

Looking for a banana bar recipe that has it all? This one does. Ironically, it does so with very little. Specifically, five familiar ingredients!

Recipe Benefits

• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Gluten-free (be sure to use certified gluten-free oats)
• Added sugar-free
• Made in 1 bowl
• Super-easy to make and bake

Ingredients

• Rolled Oats (certified gluten-free, as needed)
• Almond flour or almond meal
• Ripe Bananas
• Baking Powder
• Chocolate Chips

You can reduce the total number of ingredients to four ingredients by leaving out the chocolate chips, or up it to 6 or 7 ingredients by adding a smidge of cinnamon or vanilla.

The fat from the almond flour makes these bars moist and tender, without the addition of any oil. Whoohoo! And with 1 and 2/3 cups mashed, ripe banana, there is no need to add any additional sweeteners.

How to Make Healthy Oat Almond Banana Bars

Ready to make these bars? You won’t need much time or effort.

Step One: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 350F (180 C) and line a 9-inch (22.5 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper (I spray the exposed interior sides with nonstick cooking spray).

Step Two: Mash Bananas

Mash enough ripe bananas to measure 1 and 2/3 cups (425 mL).

It will take about 3 to 4 large bananas to equal 1 and 2/3 cups mashed. I prefer to give the exact measurement for the bananas. Bananas vary (a little or a lot). Size matters (at least in baking :)), so for accuracy, it is best to use standard measurements. 

Step Three: Combine the Mashed Bananas & Oats

Mix the bananas with 1 and 1/2 cups (135 g) of rolled oats. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes to soften the oats.

Once 15 minutes have passed, vigorously stir the banana-oat combination to break down the oats and create a creamy, more homogeneous mixture.

Step Four: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the remaining ingredients, except the chocolate chips–almond flour, baking powder, and optional salt–to the bowl. I decided to add about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, too.

Stir until all of the ingredients are completely combined.

Step Five: Spread in Pan

Spread the dough in the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

Step Six: Add Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips and bananas are made for one another, so let their relationship flourish by sprinkling 2 to 3 tablespoons of the former over the surface of the bars.

You can use regular size chocolate chips, but I prefer the miniature variety, for maximal coverage.

If you like, stir the chocolate chips into the dough before spreading in the pan. Alternatively, double the chocolate chips, adding some into the dough and some on top! 

Step Seven: Bake

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes until set at the center and golden brown at the edges.

Cool & Cut the Bars

Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper lining to remove the bars to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars or squares.

Be sure to eat one immediately. Because I said so :).

FAQ

How Do I Store the Vegan Oat Almond Banana Bars?

Store the cooled banana bars in an airtight container at cool room temperature for 2 days, the refrigerator for 1 week, or the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I Use Frozen Bananas in the Recipe?

Yes, frozen ripe bananas can be used in place of fresh, ripe bananas.

Keep in mind that, as the bananas thaw, they will release liquid. Do not drain the liquid! Include the liquid in the measurement of the bananas.

Happy Baking!

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