Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
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Looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast option? These Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are the perfect combination of fruity sweetness and hearty oats! They are naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup, completely vegan, gluten-free, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy treat for the kids, these bars are easy to make and absolutely delicious!
These strawberry banana oatmeal bars are so good for you and taste mouthwatering! They make a perfect healthy breakfast or snack!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Wholesome and Nutritious – Made with simple, whole-food ingredients like oats, bananas, and strawberries, these bars are a great way to start your day with fiber and natural sweetness.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free – No dairy, no eggs, and no gluten, making them perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or looking for a healthier alternative.
- Easy to Make – With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these bars in under an hour!
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them as a grab-and-go breakfast or snack throughout the week.
- Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar needed! The bananas and maple syrup add just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
Who wants a slice of this amazing strawberry banana baked oatmeal? Cut it into bars or squares and munch away! You can taste the strawberries and bananas in every bite!
These strawberry banana oatmeal squares are so healthy, it’s hard to believe something so delicious can actually be good for you! This recipe is vegan, gluten-free and has no refined sugar!
Ingredients for Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Rolled Oats – The base of these bars, providing fiber and a chewy texture.
- Baking Powder – Helps the bars rise slightly and keeps them from being too dense.
- Ripe Bananas – Naturally sweetens the bars and adds moisture. The riper, the better!
- Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor without refined sugar.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries – Provides a fruity, juicy bite in every piece.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
The ingredients for this recipe are very simple: strawberries, bananas, oatmeal, baking powder, vanilla extract and maple syrup. Simple natural goodness!
Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- 8×8 Square Baking Dish – The perfect size for evenly baked bars.
- Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining all the ingredients easily.
- Fork – Used to mash the bananas until smooth.
- Food Processor – Turns some of the oats into oat flour for a better texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures the right proportions for the ingredients
These strawberry banana oatmeal squares are vegan! It’s hard to find any baked oatmeal recipe that doesn’t use dairy or eggs, but this recipe is free from animal products.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Blend 1 cup of rolled oats in a food processor until it turns into a fine oat flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Add the oat flour, baking powder, and the remaining 1 cup of whole rolled oats, then mix everything together.
- Spread ⅔ of the banana-oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the sliced strawberries over the mixture to create a fruity center.
- Crumble the remaining banana mixture over the strawberries to form a crumble-like topping.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and firm.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares or bars.
You can make this recipe with fresh or frozen strawberries. On the pictures I used the frozen ones, but this recipe works just as well with fresh! You can also substitute the strawberries with any other berries or sliced fruits!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these bars warm or cold—they taste amazing either way!
- Serve with a drizzle of nut butter or dairy-free yogurt for added creaminess.
- Pair with a Creamy Homemade Mexican Hot Chocolate or Authentic Turkish Coffee for a cozy breakfast.
- Add a sprinkle of Quick Crunchy Toasted Walnuts or Unsweetened Coconut Flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- Turn them into a dessert by serving them with a scoop of vegan Creamy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream!
Eat these yummy strawberry banana squares for breakfast, eat them for snack, eat them for dessert, eat them any time of the day! You can also freeze them in individual ziploc bags and thaw when needed! You can never have too many healthy snacks on hand!
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir the ingredients just until combined to keep the texture light and chewy. Overmixing can make the bars dense.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries – If using frozen strawberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter. Thawed berries release too much moisture and can make the bars soggy.
- Let Them Cool Completely – These bars firm up as they cool. Cutting them too soon may cause them to crumble.
- Make It Your Own – Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for different flavors! You can also add mix-ins like chia seeds or shredded coconut for extra nutrition.
Variations and Substitutions
- Switch Up the Fruit – Instead of strawberries, try blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even diced apples for a different flavor.
- Add Nuts or Seeds – Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch, or sprinkle chia or flaxseeds for a nutritional boost.
- Make It Chocolatey – Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist.
- Sweetener Options – If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use agave syrup or mashed medjool dates for natural sweetness.
- Coconut Flavor – Add shredded coconut for a tropical touch and extra texture.
- Cinnamon Spice – A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature – If eating within a day, store the bars in an airtight container on the counter.
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave (20–30 seconds), oven (350°F for 10 minutes), or air fryer (320°F for 5 minutes), depending on your preferred texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide a heartier bite, while quick oats will create a more cake-like consistency.
Can I make these bars without a food processor?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a food processor, you can use store-bought oat flour or simply leave the oats whole for a more textured bar.
Do I need to thaw frozen strawberries before using them?
No, it’s best to use them frozen. Thawed berries release extra moisture, which can make the bars too wet and soggy.
Can I make these bars oil-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally oil-free, thanks to the bananas providing moisture and binding everything together.
How do I prevent the bars from falling apart?
Let them cool completely before slicing. If they’re still crumbly, refrigerate them for a few hours to help them firm up.
If you like these strawberry banana oatmeal bars, you will also love these easy recipes:
Oatmeal Raisin Mug Cake – healthy gluten-free mug cake made in 2 minutes in a microwave!
Vegan Banana Oatmeal Cookies – just 3 ingredients, this is the healthiest cookie you’ll ever eat!
Paleo Strawberry Popsicles – these homemade popsicles have just 1 ingredients – fresh strawberries! No added sugar!
Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins – amazing healthy gluten-free muffins, this is a perfect healthy snack on the go!
Paleo Banana Pancakes – you just have to see this 3-ingredient banana pancake recipe to believe it!
Vegan Chocolate Banana Ice Cream – OMG, chocolate ice cream that’s actually good for you :)
Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats divided
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- 8x8 square baking dish
- Mixing bowls
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper.
- Put 1 cup of rolled oats in a food processor and process for several minutes until it turns into oat flour.
- Put bananas in a large bowl and mash with a fork until smooth. Add maple syrup and vanilla and mix until combined. Add oat flour, baking powder and remaining 1 cup of rolled oats. Mix until combined.
- Transfer 2/3 of the banana mixture to the baking dish and spread in a single layer.
- Put a layer of strawberries on top of the banana mixture.
- Put the remaining banana mixture on top of the strawberries, so it resembles crumble.
- Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Let cool completely, then slice into bars or squares.
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