Chewy Breakfast Oat Bars Without Refined Sugar

I love these breakfast oat bars so much. Just five ingredients and no refined sugar, but they’re naturally sweet and so delicious with crispy edges and chewy centers. Takes me about 30 minutes to make a batch, and they’re such a lifesaver on busy mornings!

If you’d like to see these breakfast oat bars come together step by step, check out my video recipe below. Don’t forget to hit like and subscribe to the channel for more simple and tasty baking with oats recipes.

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Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Oat Bars

There’s something about having a tray of oat bars ready in the morning that makes life easier. You can grab one on the way out the door, pack it in a lunchbox, or enjoy it with a cup of coffee when you don’t feel like cooking. The flavor is a little like banana bread, but chewier, and with crispy edges if you bake them a touch longer.

I still remember the first time I made them. My kids were skeptical because I said they were “healthy” bars, but the chocolate chips won them over. Now they actually ask me to make a double batch so we don’t run out by midweek.

Ingredients for These Baked Oatmeal Bars

Here’s what you need to get started. Nothing fancy, just the basics.

• 4 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if you prefer)
• 1 cup almond butter (or peanut butter if that’s what you have)
• 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 to 4 bananas)
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• ½ cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips (plus a few extra for the top)

I recently switched to these organic sprouted rolled oats below, and they honestly make such a difference in these bars. They have this really nice nutty flavor that regular oats just do not have. My local store is always out of them, so I just order them from Amazon now.

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Note: Almond butter gives a rich, nutty flavor, but if you’ve got peanut butter sitting in the cupboard, it works just as well.

Top Tip: Use overripe bananas with black spots. The sweeter and spottier your bananas, the better your bars will taste. Green or firm bananas won’t mash smoothly and won’t give enough natural sweetness.

Equipment You’ll Need

No special tools here, just the basics most kitchens already have.

• Large mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher for bananas
• Spatula
• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper

Note: If you leave a little parchment paper hanging over the edges, it’s way easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled. It’s like built-in handles.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Healthy Oatmeal Bars

These bars are as simple as mix, press, bake, and enjoy.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your pan with parchment paper and give it a quick brush of oil so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Add the rolled oats to a large bowl. Scoop in the almond butter and start mixing.

Step 3: Mash the bananas until they’re smooth. Measure about 1½ cups, then add them to the bowl.

Step 4: Pour in the maple syrup or honey and toss in the chocolate chips. Stir until the oats are fully coated. It’ll be thick and sticky, but that’s exactly what you want.

Step 5: Spoon the mixture into your baking pan. Press it down firmly with the spatula so the bars hold together when baked.

Step 6: Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for good measure. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the middle still feels soft.

Step 7: Let the pan cool before cutting into squares. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but if you wait just a little, the bars slice much more cleanly.

Flavor and Texture Of These Oat Bars

These bars are chewy, hearty, and just sweet enough. The bananas keep them moist, the almond butter adds richness, and the chocolate chips give you those melty bites that make the bars feel like a treat.

The first time I made them, I left them in the oven too long, and they came out crunchy. Not bad, but not the chewy texture I love. Now I always pull them out when the edges look golden, but the center still looks a little soft.

Related Recipe: If you enjoyed these banana oat bars, you have got to try my homemade oatmeal cream pies next.

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect if you like to plan ahead. Keep the bars in a container on the counter for about four days, or in the fridge if you want them to last longer.

• For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months
• To reheat, pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, and it’ll taste fresh again

Top Tip: Cut the bars before freezing so you can grab just what you need.

Oat Bar Variations to Try

These bars are easy to customize. Here are a few ways I’ve switched them up.

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• Nut Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter
• Fruit Twist: Add a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates
• Spice Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice
• Extra Crunch: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans

Note: If you add dried fruit or nuts, use a little less chocolate so the bars still stick together.

More Oat Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed these breakfast oat bars, I have tons more oat-based recipes on my channel! From overnight oats to oatmeal cookies and even savory oat dishes, there is something for everyone.

Check out my oat recipe playlist for more easy, delicious ideas that will change how you think about this amazing ingredient.

Try these oat recipes next:

• Healthy Apple Pie with Oats – A lighter twist on a classic, made with wholesome oats for a cozy dessert (or even breakfast).
• Best Chewy Oatmeal Coconut Cookies Recipe – Soft, chewy, and packed with coconut, these cookies are the perfect sweet treat for oat lovers.
• Bread Machine Honey Oat Bread – Warm, fluffy, and slightly sweet, this homemade oat bread is perfect for sandwiches or toast.

So, what oat recipe would you like to see next?