The new year is officially underway! How’s it starting for you? We’re slowly getting back into normal working patterns and eating routines. With all of the holiday gatherings, dinners, etc., we’ve all been eating a little crazy compared to our normal eating habits.
I’m ready to get back to eating mostly healthy foods at normal times, and we’re starting with these chocolate chip banana breakfast bars!
These chocolate chip banana breakfast bars are a healthy way to get the flavor of banana bread and the heartiness of oatmeal all in a nutrient rich bar.
Plus, they’re portable. And in this house, portable breakfast and snacks are always a plus! Oats, whole wheat flour, and flaxseed make these bars substantial enough that you only need to have one or two, and you won’t be starving an hour later!
Or are we the only people who find many breakfast bars completely unsatisfying?!
Honey and coconut oil add sweetness and healthy fats while binding the bars together so they don’t crumble on your first bite. And, of course, we had to throw in a few chocolate chips.
If you’re trying to avoid sweets or cutting out chocolate for the new year, you can always leave them out or use fewer.
These bars have already made it to the “make again” list! Next time I’m thinking about adding in some peanut butter or almond butter for a boost in flavor and protein. They’re super versatile, so feel free to switch up ingredients to match your preferences!
- 1½ C regular or quick oats
- 1 C whole wheat flour
- ¼ C ground flaxseed
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ C + 2 tbsp buttermilk
- 2 ripe medium bananas, mashed
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ C semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 8x8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, flaxseed, baking powder, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, bananas, coconut oil, honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Spread batter into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips, if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you want a drier texture to the bars, you may want to bake for another 5 minutes.
- Remove baking dish to a wire rack to cool slightly before cutting into pieces and serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
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taylor @ greens & chocolate says
I have been looking for a bar just like this – healthy, no refined sugars, and something to use up all the brown bananas in my freezer!!
Marye says
These look wonderful! I love breakfast items that are healthy and easy to grab and go in the morning.
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
these sound delicious! breakfast bars are fun (though i hate cold breakfasts so i basically eat them as a snack…haha).
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
As soon as I saw the photos of these I immediately wanted one! The only problem, I’d probably eat half the pan for breakfast! 😉
Medha @ Whiak & Shout says
I was searching for a healthy, refined-sugar free bar like this! Pinning!
Amy says
All time great flavor combination!
Taylor@Food Faith Fitness says
I’m pretty sure I NEED this in my life!
Megan - The Emotional Baker says
These bars look so yummy! I’d love to start my day with one!
Roxana says
These look like the perfect, (not too healthy) healthy snack! 🙂 I still get my chocolate and peanut butter fix! I can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
Kelly says
These breakfast bars are such a great way to start the new year on a healthier track! Love the honey and coconut oil in here! Happy New Year!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Mmm these breakfast bars sound delicious! Anything with chocolate and banana is a winner in my book!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh my gosh, I’d eat ALL of these, no doubt, but no regrets either right? What a perfect way to start the day.;)
aimee @ like mother like daughter says
These look SO awesome! I love chocolate and banana, and putting them in a delicious breakfast bar. I think I’d actually eat them all day instead 😉
Ashley says
I love the sound of these bars!! Perfect for snacking too!!
Heidi Kokborg says
These breakfast looks so good! Banana and chocolate is such a great combo. I am looking forward to trying these for breakfast one of the next days.
Melissa says
I am so down with chocolate in my breakfast. Haha. And no, you are not the only ones who think most breakfast bars just don’t cut it. That’s actually why I switched up my breakfast routine.
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
I’ve got to try these bars, Jessica. So much delicious goodness in a portable bar!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
This is my kind of breakfast! I love a little chocolate in the morning. 🙂
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
What a yummy, hearty breakfast!
Tonette Joyce says
i started making breakfast bars and this looks like a winner!