Introduction

If you’re searching for a healthy, gluten-free snack that you can take on the go, look no further than these Gluten-Free Banana Nut Breakfast Bars. Packed with ripe bananas, crunchy nuts, and oats, these bars are the perfect way to fuel your day. Whether you’re rushing out the door or need a nutritious snack in the middle of the afternoon, these bars provide the right balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.

Bananas, rich in potassium and fiber, are a great natural sweetener, while the nuts add protein and crunch. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can swap in different nuts or add seeds, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for variety. With no refined sugar and ingredients that are easy to source, these breakfast bars are a fantastic option for those looking to maintain a gluten-free lifestyle without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Let’s dive into this recipe that will become a regular part of your meal prep routine, providing you with a convenient and delicious snack whenever you need it.

Ingredients List

For the Bars:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ¼ cup almond butter or peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup flax seeds (optional)
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)

For Serving:

  • A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Fresh banana slices or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Breakfast Bars

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. The natural sweetness of the bananas and honey will serve as the base for the bars, giving them a moist, chewy texture.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, mix together the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and flax seeds (if using). This dry mixture provides the structure of the bars and ensures they stay together without becoming too crumbly.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until all the ingredients are combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can make the bars too dense.

Adding the Nuts and Optional Mix-Ins

1. Fold in the Nuts:

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, along with any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruit. The nuts add a satisfying crunch to each bite, while the optional mix-ins give you a chance to customize the bars to your liking.

2. Let the Mixture Rest:

Allow the mixture to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the oats absorb the moisture from the bananas and almond butter, which will result in a cohesive, well-textured bar.

Baking the Breakfast Bars

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy removal later.

2. Spread the Mixture in the Pan:

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Press it down gently to ensure the bars are compact and uniform in thickness. This will help them bake evenly.

3. Bake the Bars:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bars in the last few minutes to avoid over-baking, which could make them dry.

Serving the Bars

1. Cool and Cut:

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. After cooling, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.

2. Garnish and Serve:

For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle the bars with a bit of honey or maple syrup. You can also top them with fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Tips for Success

Make it Vegan:

To make these bars completely vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup and ensure that any chocolate chips you add are dairy-free.

Customizing the Recipe:

Feel free to swap out the nuts for your favorites—almonds, cashews, or pistachios all work well. You can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp hearts for an extra nutritional boost.

Texture Adjustments:

If you prefer softer bars, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. For a firmer, crispier bar, leave them in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Banana Bars:

Replace the cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and fold in ¼ cup of chocolate chips to make chocolate-flavored breakfast bars.

Berry Nut Bars:

Add ½ cup of dried cranberries or blueberries along with the nuts for a fruity variation that pairs well with the banana base.

Seed-Packed Bars:

For a nut-free version, substitute the nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, allergen-friendly alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast on the Go:

Pair these bars with a cup of Greek yogurt or a smoothie for a balanced, on-the-go breakfast. They also make a great post-workout snack when paired with a protein shake.

Snack Time:

Serve the bars with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. They also pack well in lunch boxes for a healthy, gluten-free snack at school or work.

Storage and Reheating

1. Storing Leftovers:

Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or can be refrigerated for up to a week.

2. Freezing for Later:

For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or thaw at room temperature.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 8g

Cost Estimation

Approximate cost per serving: $1.50

To reduce costs, you can buy nuts in bulk or use sunflower seeds as a more affordable alternative to nuts.

Looking for more gluten-free snacks? Check out our Gluten-Free Banana Bread for another wholesome, sweet treat!

Did you try these Gluten-Free Banana Nut Breakfast Bars? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Feel free to share this recipe on Pinterest or Instagram and tag us in your photos.