Oat and Banana No-Bake Bars

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Simple, chewy bars made with mashed bananas and oats, sweetened naturally with honey and peanut butter. This american-inspired desserts (gluten-free, vegan) ready in about 15 minutes layers rolled oats, bananas, peanut butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 12 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups rolled oats, 2 mashed ripe bananas, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp chia seeds, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until well combined and sticky.
  2. Step 2: Press mixture firmly into a lined 8x8-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  3. Step 3: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Cut into 12 bars and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oat and Banana No-Bake Bars take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Oat and Banana No-Bake Bars?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oat and Banana No-Bake Bars?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oat and Banana No-Bake Bars for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Oat and Banana No-Bake Bars gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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