Banana Oat Bars with Flax & Cacao Nibs
A simple, one-bowl banana oat bar recipe made with flax seed and cacao nibs. Wholesome, lightly sweet, and easy to enjoy any time of day.
These banana oat bars are one of those simple, feel-good recipes I come back to again and again. They’re lightly sweet, hearty, and made with everyday ingredients — perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or something nourishing to grab on busy days.
I added ground flaxseed for fiber and heart-healthy fats, and cacao nibs for a rich chocolate crunch without a lot of added sugar. They’re wholesome, filling, and just sweet enough.
Why I Love These
Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and honey or maple syrup
Made with rolled oats for lasting energy
Flax seed adds fiber and omega-3s
Cacao nibs give a deep chocolate flavor without being overly sweet
One-bowl recipe — simple and approachable
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups)
2 cups rolled oats
⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons ground flax seed
2–3 tablespoons cacao nibs
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Stir in oats, honey or maple syrup, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, ground flax seed, and cacao nibs until fully combined.
Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
Let cool before slicing into bars.
Notes & Variations
Add cinnamon or chopped nuts if you want extra flavor or crunch
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days
These freeze well for quick grab-and-go snacks