Banana Protein Baked Oatmeal Bars (High Protein Breakfast Meal Prep)
Tender, naturally sweet banana protein baked oatmeal bars loaded with 25+ grams of protein per bar. These grab-and-go breakfast bars are ready in under 35 minutes and perfect for weekly meal prep.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- parchment paper
- large bowl
- mixing bowl
- spatula
- whisk
- sharp knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, lightly spraying underneath to prevent shifting.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt for about 30 seconds to distribute protein evenly.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth with small lumps remaining. Add almond butter, honey, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until thick but pourable.
- Step 4: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and fold together with a spatula until just combined without dry oat streaks. Do not overmix.
- Step 5: Transfer batter to prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges pull away slightly from pan, top feels set with slight give, and toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean.
- Step 7: Cool completely in pan for at least 15 minutes, then turn out onto cutting board. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to make clean cuts into 12-16 bars.
Notes
Room temperature storage: Keep in airtight container up to 5 days. Refrigerate up to 1 week. Freezer-friendly: Stack bars between parchment squares and freeze in airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for 20 seconds. Protein powder swaps: Chocolate protein powder works with added cocoa powder; unflavored requires more honey. Do not skip protein powder as it's essential for high protein content. Serve with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or strong coffee. Bars will continue to firm up as they cool.