These banana pumpkin bars are a blissful treat that combines soft, moist textures with warm, cozy flavors. They’re quick to whip up, healthy, and perfect for family-friendly snacking or breakfast. You’ll love how easily they come together and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Delicious Banana Pumpkin Bars Recipe
Why You’ll Love These Banana Pumpkin Bars
These banana pumpkin bars are exceptionally soft and chewy, with the perfect amount of sweetness. The combination of pumpkin puree and ripe bananas creates a moist texture, while the hints of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice evoke a warm, fall-like feeling. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegetarian, making them a wholesome option for everyone!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Bars
To create these delectable bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini or regular chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (approx. 1 medium banana)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crafting Your Banana Pumpkin Bars
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg. Then add pumpkin puree, mashed banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until evenly incorporated. Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into 12–16 pieces.
Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
For the best results, use overripe bananas to enhance sweetness and moisture. You can easily make oat flour by blending rolled oats in a high-speed blender until fine. Also, feel free to switch out pumpkin puree for sweet potato or roasted butternut squash if you prefer!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
If you’re out of maple syrup, honey is a great alternative. You can also customize these bars by adding nuts or dried fruit for an extra flavor kick!
Storing and Serving Your Bars
How to Store Banana Pumpkin Bars
To keep your banana pumpkin bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3–4 months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking!
Serving Suggestions for Breakfast or Snack
These bars are perfect as a quick breakfast or a nutritious snack. Pair them with nut butter or yogurt for added protein and enjoy their delightful flavors any time of day!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for banana pumpkin bars?
To make banana pumpkin bars, you’ll need rolled oats, oat flour, spices, baking powder, chocolate chips, an egg, pumpkin puree, mashed banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
How do I make banana pumpkin bars step by step?
First, preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan. Then, combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and whisk the wet ingredients in another. Combine both mixtures, spread them in the pan, and bake until done.
Can I make banana pumpkin bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these bars in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep.
How should I store leftover banana pumpkin bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make these delicious banana pumpkin bars, it’s time to get baking! They’re not only tasty but also a healthier dessert option. Be sure to check out some inspiration on Pinterest for more recipe ideas and enjoy this delightful treat with your loved ones!
Delicious Banana Pumpkin Bars to Delight Your Taste Buds
Equipment
- 8×8-inch square baking pan
- parchment paper
- large bowl
- medium bowl
- whisk
- toothpick
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup oat flour can be homemade by blending rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips plus extra for topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana approx. 1 medium banana
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup honey may be used as a substitute
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then add pumpkin puree, mashed banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until evenly incorporated. Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the surface if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
- Lift the baked bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 12–16 pieces.
