Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Delights.

These Oatmeal Cookie Bars transform simple ingredients into a satisfying treat that works equally well for breakfast or dessert. The recipe combines mashed bananas and honey for natural sweetness with hearty rolled oats for a wholesome base. What makes these bars special is their versatility and fudgy texture - they're substantial enough for breakfast meal prep yet indulgent enough to satisfy dessert cravings. The addition of chocolate chips creates pockets of melty goodness throughout the bars, while cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor. Unlike traditional cookie bars that rely on refined flour and sugar, these gluten-free treats offer a more nutritious option without sacrificing taste or texture. They're easy to make in just 40 minutes and can be stored for convenient grab-and-go options throughout the week.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Sun, 02 Mar 2025 12:11:35 GMT
Oatmeal Cookie Bars Pin it
Oatmeal Cookie Bars | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Transform simple pantry ingredients into irresistible treats with these Oatmeal Cookie Bars that offer the perfect balance of wholesome nutrition and decadent satisfaction. These chewy, fudgy squares combine the comfort of traditional oatmeal cookies with the convenience of a bar format, creating a versatile treat that works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

After testing countless healthier treat recipes, I discovered that the secret to exceptional oatmeal bars lies in the proper ratio of wet to dry ingredients. The moment you bite into these perfectly chewy squares, you'll understand why they've become a staple in my weekly baking rotation.

Essential Components

  • Banana Ripeness: Properly ripened bananas with brown spots provide natural sweetness
  • Oat Selection: Traditional rolled oats create the ideal chewy texture
  • Butter Quality: Using good quality butter significantly impacts the final flavor
  • Chocolate Distribution: Reserving some chips for the top creates visual appeal
  • Baking Time: Precise timing ensures the perfect fudgy-yet-cooked texture
Easy Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe Pin it
Easy Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creating Your Treat

Perfect The Base:
Thoroughly mash bananas until smooth before adding other wet ingredients for consistent texture throughout.
Master The Wet Ingredients:
Combine eggs, vanilla, and melted butter with bananas, ensuring even distribution before adding sweeteners.
Build The Structure:
Add cinnamon, baking soda, and oats in stages, making sure the oats are completely incorporated.
Create The Indulgence:
Fold chocolate chips gently into the mixture, preserving their shape for pockets of melty goodness.
Time The Bake:
Watch for golden edges while maintaining a slightly soft center for that ideal fudgy texture.

These bars have become my solution for busy mornings when I need something substantial yet quick to grab. Their satisfying texture and natural sweetness provide lasting energy without the sugar crash of conventional treats.

Perfect Pairings

Enhance your oatmeal bar experience with thoughtful accompaniments. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a morning treat. Serve with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a more substantial breakfast. For dessert, warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. During fall, pair with warm apple cider for a cozy snack.

Creative Variations

Adapt this versatile recipe to create endless flavor combinations. Try adding cinnamon chips instead of chocolate for a snickerdoodle version. Create a tropical variation with dried mango and coconut flakes. Make an autumn-inspired bar by incorporating dried cranberries and orange zest. For extra protein, mix in a quarter cup of your favorite nut butter.

Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe Pin it
Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage Success

These bars maintain their quality beautifully for days. Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to six months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

Through countless iterations of oatmeal treats, I've found that respect for ingredients and attention to texture creates the most satisfying results. These bars prove that wholesome ingredients, when properly combined, can create something that feels indulgent while providing genuine nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as one-to-one substitutes for honey in this recipe.
→ How should I store these cookie bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
→ Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes make excellent additions. Keep the total amount of mix-ins to about 3/4 cup.
→ Are these bars really gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, as oats themselves don't contain gluten but can be cross-contaminated during processing.
→ Can I reduce the amount of butter?
You can substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version, though the texture will be slightly less rich.

Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Soft and fudgy oatmeal cookie bars loaded with chocolate chips and naturally sweetened with honey and banana, perfect for a gluten-free breakfast or dessert.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Baking

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 cookie bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 3 medium bananas (3/4 cup mashed)
02 2 medium eggs
03 1 tsp vanilla extract
04 7 oz lightly salted butter (1 cup melted)
05 1/4 cup honey
06 1/2 tsp cinnamon
07 ¼ tsp baking soda
08 4 cups and 2 tbsp rolled oats
09 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350F and line 8" x 8" baking dish with baking paper, leaving a few inches of paper on the sides.

Step 02

In a large bowl, add the bananas and mash them with a fork. Break in the eggs and add in vanilla extract. Melt slightly salted butter (if using unsalted butter, just add 1 tsp of salt). Pour the butter into the bowl (it should be a total of about 1 cup melted).

Step 03

Add in the honey, cinnamon and baking soda. Mix all of the ingredients together.

Step 04

Add 2 cups rolled oats and mix. Then another 2 cups of rolled oats and combine all the ingredients well. Then, mix in chocolate chips at the very end.

Step 05

Transfer the dough to the baking sheet, level it out, and press in a few chocolate chips here and there on top.

Step 06

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Afterward, let it sit in the baking dish for 30 minutes before removing it by the edges and cutting it up.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8" x 8" baking dish
  • Baking paper
  • Large mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Contains eggs
  • May contain dairy (chocolate chips)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 249
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
  • Protein: 4 g