Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh berries, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh berries release less liquid.

Can I substitute the almond flour with another type of flour?

Yes, you can use another type of flour, but the texture and taste may vary.

How can I make these Healthy Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free rolled oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Healthy Oatmeal Bars: Gluten-Free Vegan Breakfast

Name: Healthy Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: — The Base —; 2 cups (approx. 200g) gluten-free rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best); 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 large speckled bananas); ½ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter); ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or agave nectar); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; — Mix-ins —; ⅓ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (or cacao nibs); ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Description

These Healthy Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate grab-and-go snack. Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, they are packed with fiber-rich gluten-free oats and creamy nut butter. Completely vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free, they make for a nutritious breakfast or a guilt-free afternoon pick-me-up that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale

— The Base —

2 cups (approx. 200g) gluten-free rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best)

1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 large speckled bananas)

½ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)

¼ cup pure maple syrup (or agave nectar)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

— Mix-ins —

⅓ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (or cacao nibs)

¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.

2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until they are smooth and almost liquid.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the bananas. Whisk until the mixture is uniform and creamy.

4. Add Oats: Pour in the gluten-free rolled oats. Stir with a spatula until every oat is coated in the wet mixture.

5. Fold Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit if using.

6. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the mixture down very firmly and evenly. This ensures the bars hold together after baking.

7. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center feels set to the touch.

8. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan (at least 30-45 minutes). If you slice them while hot, they may crumble. Slice into 12 bars once cool.

Notes

Oats: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Do not use steel-cut oats (too hard) or instant oats (too mushy); rolled oats provide the perfect chewy texture.

Nut-Free Option: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a school-safe version.

Ripeness Matters: The bananas should be spotty and brown. If they aren’t ripe enough, the bars won’t be sweet enough.

Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week (they hold their shape best when chilled) or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 25
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 185
Sugar: 9
Sodium: 60
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 2
Unsaturated Fat: 5
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 26
Fiber: 3
Protein: 5
Cholesterol: 0