Maple Banana Oatmeal Bars

These are cozy Maple Banana Oatmeal Bars and they are perfect for the season! Every bite is full of sweet maple syrup, bananas, peanut butter, and hearty oats. They make for the perfect healthy snack or treat! The bars are topped with a creamy chocolate ganache that is next level good!

There is something so comforting and cozy about soft baked oatmeal bars. The way they're perfectly chewy, warmly spiced, and just sweet enough to be for dessert. I am in love!

If you have ripening bananas on your counter, you have to give these bars a go. The combination of maple, banana, and peanut butter is so rich and nutty, every bite has you wanting more.

After baking, it's topped with a silky smooth chocolate ganache that melts in every bite. It truly is little slices of heaven!

Step by step instructions

Here is how to make and bake these Maple Banana Oatmeal Bars. You will need an 9×9 square pan lined with parchment paper, two mixing bowls, a spatula, and a whisk.

Step 1 - Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, add in flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, cornstarch, and salt. Combine together and set aside.

Step 2 - Whisk wet ingredients. In a large bowl, add in brown sugar, mashed bananas, eggs, oil, vanilla, maple syrup, and creamy peanut butter. Whisk together until combined. The mixture may be slightly lumpy from the bananas, that is ok!

Step 3 - Combine. Add the dry and wet ingredients together until a soft batter forms - do not over-mix!

Step 4 - Transfer and bake. Transfer into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 5 - Make ganache. Once the bars have cooled, melt creamy peanut butter, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate together until smooth. Then drizzle onto the top of the bars, spread, and place in the fridge to set. Once set, slice, and enjoy!

Expert Baking Tips

Here are a few expert baking tips from my kitchen to yours so you can make the best Maple Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Measure the flour accurately. This has to be my number one tip when it comes to baking. It is so easy to over-measure or under-measure flour! I highly recommend getting a kitchen gram scale if you don't have one already. 
• Don't over-mix the batter. You want to mix the dry and wet ingredients together just until no more dry flour streaks appear. Over-mixing causes tough and chewy baked goods and we don't want that.
• Make sure the ganache is not hot. When drizzling on the bars, the bars must be cooled, and the ganache shouldn't be hot (warm is okay).
• Use two types of high-quality chocolate. I find the best ganache always turns out when you use both milk and dark chocolate.

FAQ

How do I store these bars?

These are a soft-baked bar. They stay good on the counter for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week!

Do I have to add the ganache?

No! I do think it adds texture and elevates the bars though so I highly recommend it.

Do I use crunchy or creamy peanut butter?

Both work great. You may use any creamy or crunchy nut butter, but do not use any natural ones. It is to runny and won't work.

Why is my ganache not smooth?

Either you used a grainy nut butter, or your chocolate is not high-quality! Also make sure to completely melt it before using.

Can I use chocolate chips for the ganache?

Yes, as long as it adds up to 200g.

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