Banana Pumpkin Oat Bars

I came across a recipe for 4-ingredient banana oat bars from the kitchn while on a month of sugar avoidance. I was struck by the fact that the recipe had no added sugar whatsoever, relying entirely upon the sweetness of ripe bananas and dried dates. I quickly turned what was a 4 ingredient recipe into something more elaborate, but I was rather pleased with my adaptation. I’ve incorporated my favorite fall flavors here. These are a cinch to make, extremely healthy and an easy kitchen project for the kids. They make a nutritious snack or breakfast.

  • 2 large ripe bananas
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not the quick cooking kind)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup diced dried dates (about 3 large)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 tablespoon pepitas (pumpkin seeds), divided
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with a little canola oil or cooking spray.
  • Peel the bananas and break them up into pieces. Using the back of a fork, mash the bananas in a large bowl until no chunks remain. Add the pumpkin puree and stir until combined. The mixture should be relatively smooth. Add the vanilla, oats, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir to incorporate, then add the dates, walnuts and 2 tablespoons of the pepitas.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing lightly into the bottom until its evenly distributed and the top is smooth. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of pepitas over the top, then lightly press them down to adhere.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. The edges should be just starting to brown and the bars should be firm. Allow to cool on a rack. Cut into 9 bars by making two evenly spaced cuts down and another two evenly spaced cuts across.
  • Store at room temperature in an air-tight container.
  • Quick Tips
  • 1. I always keep canned pumpkin on hand. Look for 100% pure canned pumpkin. It’s perfect for this recipe!
  • 2. You may not need to store these bars at all if they are popular! But if you have some leftover, you can keep them for a couple days in a tightly sealed container.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 9



One response to “Banana Pumpkin Oat Bars”

  1. Cindyhien says:
    January 27, 2015 at 7:40 am

    Oatmeal is always great. I added this powder to my diet more than 2 years. I will try your recipe

    Reply

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