Cozy Banana Vanilla Breakfast Snack Bars That Make Mornings Easier (12 Soft Bars)

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By Gianna Poulef

Banana Vanilla Breakfast Snack Bars

Thank you so much for being here today Truly. These Banana Vanilla Breakfast Snack Bars are one of those recipes that quietly change your routine for the better. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and filled with comforting banana flavor—perfect for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacks.

They’re made with simple pantry ingredients, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, and sturdy enough to grab and go. If you love easy, nourishing breakfast recipes like this, be sure to subscribe by email—I’ve got plenty more coming your way.

Overview of Banana Vanilla Breakfast Snack Bars

These breakfast bars are soft-baked, lightly chewy, and perfectly balanced between snack and breakfast. Think banana bread meets oatmeal bars—but easier to slice, store, and take with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas
  • Soft, moist, and not overly sweet
  • Perfect for meal prep and freezing
  • Kid-friendly and lunchbox-approved
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have

What They Taste Like

Warm banana bread flavor with gentle vanilla notes and a soft, oat-filled texture. Comforting, cozy, and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Nutritional & Lifestyle Notes

  • Bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture
  • Oats add fiber and long-lasting energy
  • No refined sugar overload
  • Perfect for breakfast or snacks

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Tested)

This Now, Make It Later!

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Whisk
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Banana Vanilla Breakfast Snack Bars

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward—no mixer, no fuss.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the bananas
    In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
  3. Add wet ingredients
    Whisk in maple syrup, melted oil, egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
  4. Mix dry ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Combine
    Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until just combined.
  6. Add extras (optional)
    Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit if using.
  7. Bake
    Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 22–28 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
  8. Cool and slice
    Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

That warm banana-vanilla aroma? That’s breakfast done right.

What to Serve with Breakfast Snack Bars

  • Coffee or latte
  • Yogurt and fresh fruit
  • Smoothies
  • Nut butter spread on top
  • Packed with lunch or road trips

Tips for Perfect Breakfast Bars

  • Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness
  • Don’t overbake—soft centers are ideal
  • Let bars cool fully before slicing
  • Store chilled for firmer texture

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: 2 days, airtight
  • Refrigerator: Up to 6 days
  • Freezer: Up to 2 months (slice first)
  • Reheat briefly or enjoy chilled

General Information

Breakfast bars like these grew popular as a homemade alternative to packaged snacks—simple, nourishing, and adaptable. This banana vanilla version keeps things classic and comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free flour.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Absolutely—use almond or oat milk.

Are these very sweet?

No—they’re gently sweet and perfect for breakfast.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13 pan and bake slightly longer.

Conclusion

These Banana Vanilla Breakfast Snack Bars are soft, wholesome, and endlessly practical—the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. Perfect for busy mornings, snack cravings, and everything in between.

If you loved these, try:

Interactive Elements

Made them?
Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your bars on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Bar – 12 Bars)

CaloriesCarbsProteinFatSugar
190 kcal28g4g7g12g
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Cozy Banana Vanilla Breakfast Snack Bars That Make Mornings Easier (12 Soft Bars)


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft and wholesome banana vanilla breakfast snack bars made with oats and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and on-the-go snacks.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

2 ripe bananas, mashed

⅓ cup maple syrup or honey

¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup milk


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan.

2. Mash bananas in a large bowl until smooth.

3. Whisk in maple syrup, oil, egg, vanilla, and milk.

4. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.

6. Spread batter evenly in pan.

7. Bake for 22–28 minutes until set.

8. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for best sweetness.

Do not overbake for soft bars.

Let bars cool fully before cutting.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Cozy Banana Vanilla Breakfast Snack Bars That Make Mornings Easier (12 Soft Bars)
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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