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A no sugar added healthy oatmeal bars recipe that has just 4 ingredients and are a healthy snack that kids love. Perfect for busy mornings or after school snacks, these healthy banana bars have no added sweeteners and are dairy-free and gluten-free, too!

No Sugar Added Healthy Oatmeal Bars Recipe

You just can’t have too many ideas for healthy breakfasts, can you? How about snacks? Or no-sugar added desserts? Please let me know you agree!! Oh, and you know I’m all about what to do with ripe bananas … and today’s recipe solves all of these problems!! This healthy oatmeal bar recipe uses just 4 ingredients I can almost guarantee that you’ll have on hand. It’s easy enough for kids to make. They are versatile enough to change them up and make them often. They store well and don’t require utensils, so they are great for on-the-go. That said – I think we have a winner!!

Healthy banana bars

So one of the biggest things that I find, as a busy mom (I mean, those two words totally go together, right??) is that it can be tempting to buy those packaged bars. I mean, they look appealing from the shelves. They’re ready to throw in the bag, keep in the car, or add in as that last thing for the lunchbox. But honestly, these baked oatmeal bars are SO easy to make that it will make you NOT want to get the prepackaged ones. Why, you ask? Let me tell you:

1. These bars have all real food ingredients. Not a long list of foods that you’ve never heard of.
2. They are versatile. So you can’t do almonds (in the almond butter). No problem. Switch up the nut butter. Don’t want to do chocolate chips? Sub them out for raisins or seeds or even nuts. Done and done!
3. The cost of the ingredients – though I didn’t add it up, they are super cheap. I’m guessing a strong possibility that they are likely LOTS less than the prepackaged ones. Yup!
4. They are have fiber, protein and no added sweeteners (and the total sugar is low AND all from natural sources).

So the next time you think about buying those packaged bars, put them down and come back to this recipe!!

Optional add-ins to these chocolate chip bars with oatmeal

• Add in up to 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed for some added fiber and omega 3 fatty acids
• Try these with raisins in place of chocolate chips. Or even a mixture of half raisins and half chocolate chips!
• Some chopped pecans can add in some healthy fats
• If you enjoy seeds, try adding some pumpkin or sunflower seeds

Questions about these peanut butter oatmeal bars:

Since they have no sugar added, are they sweet? In one word – YES! Ripe bananas lend lots of sweetness already. There’s no need to add any more! I love that these are a healthy breakfast/snack/dessert that is naturally sweet without any added sweeteners.

Can I substitute another nut butter? Of course! If you prefer peanut butter, that definitely will work as will Sunbutter or even cashew butter.

What type of chocolate chips should I use?  I personally love no-sugar added Lily’s Chocolate Chips (they are sweetened with stevia) and dairy-free Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips.

Print

Prep Time

10 mins

 

A no sugar added healthy oatmeal bars recipe that has just 4 ingredients and are a healthy snack that kids love. Perfect for busy mornings or after school snacks, these healthy banana bars have no added sweeteners and are dairy-free and gluten-free, too!

Course: Breakfast, Side

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 169 kcal

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 1/3 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/4 cup almond butter (sub another nut butter if desired)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas. Add in oats, almond butter and vanilla and mix until combined. Add chocolate chips, reserving a few to add to the top.

3. Spread evenly into prepared loaf pan. Press a few chocolate chips into the top, and place pan into preheated oven.

4. Bake for 25 minutes.

5. Let cool and cut into 8 pieces. Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 169 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 1mg0%

Sodium 7mg0%

Potassium 301mg9%

Carbohydrates 24g8%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 29IU1%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 53mg5%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Other easy healthy snack recipes

If you like this recipe, here are others that I think you’ll enjoy!

Baked Oatmeal Cups: A Healthy Gluten Free Snack

Grain-free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Paleo)

5 Ingredient Protein Bars – Dairy-free, Gluten-free

Easy Homemade Chewy Granola Bars – No Bake

DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE? MENTION @EASYREALFOOD OR TAG #EASYREALFOOD; I’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR CREATIONS!