Makes 9 bars
Banana-Date Baked Oat Bars
Soft, lightly sweet oat bars made with ripe bananas and dates — no refined sugar added. A handy breakfast or snack for busy mornings.
Prep10m
Cook30m
Total40m
Portions9
Fridge5 days
Why this works for meal prep
Baked oats are forgiving, quick to mix and freeze beautifully. Ripe bananas and dates provide the sweetness and help bind the bars, so you don't need eggs or added sugar.
Method
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 20 cm (8 in) square tin with baking paper.
- Mix the mashed banana, dates, milk and melted oil in a large bowl.
- Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and nuts until evenly combined. Fold in the blueberries if using.
- Spread into the tin and press down lightly. Bake for 28–32 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
- Cool completely in the tin before cutting into 9 bars.
Storing & reheating
Fridge
Up to 5 days, in airtight containers
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Reheat
Eat cold, or warm for 20 seconds
Prep tips:
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you need these to be gluten-free.
- Wrap bars individually before freezing so you can grab one at a time.
Safety note: cool cooked food and refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour for rice). Reheat only once, until steaming hot throughout. Check labels for allergens. Storage times are general guidance — see our disclaimer.