Caramelized Banana Oat Crumble Bars

If you’re looking for a wholesome dessert that tastes indulgent but is secretly nourishing, these Caramelized Banana Oat Crumble Bars are exactly what your kitchen needs. With a chewy oat crust, a gooey layer of caramelized bananas, and a golden crumb topping, every bite offers the perfect blend of crunch, sweetness, and rich banana flavor.

They’re ideal for dessert, snack time, or even breakfast-on-the-go. Naturally sweetened, packed with whole grains, and easy to make — these bars will become a staple in your kitchen all year round.

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🍌 Ingredients (Makes 12 bars)

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 ¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 ¼ cups almond flour (or substitute all-purpose flour)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted (or unsalted butter)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramelized Banana Filling:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed.

Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it firmly and evenly. Reserve the remaining one-third of the mixture for the topping.

Place the crust in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.

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Step 2: Make the Caramelized Banana Filling

In a nonstick skillet, melt butter or coconut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas, coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bananas are soft and begin to caramelize.

Once softened, sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir for 1–2 more minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes jammy. Remove from heat and let cool for 5–10 minutes.

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Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Remove the pan from the fridge. Spread the banana filling evenly over the chilled oat crust. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top — you want a mix of larger and smaller clusters for texture.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

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Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for another 30 minutes before cutting.

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 12 squares.

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🥄 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
• Drizzle with extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
• For a brunch twist, pair with coffee and berries for a beautiful breakfast platter.

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or warm gently in the oven.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Use spotty bananas: The riper the banana, the better the flavor and natural sweetness.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: It brightens the filling and balances the caramelized sugars.
• Customize it: Add chopped walnuts, dark chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the crumble topping for extra flair.
• Make it gluten-free: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

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🧠 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are everything a dessert should be — rich, gooey, crunchy, warm, and deeply satisfying. They feel nostalgic and homey but come with modern healthy twists: natural sweeteners, whole grains, and good fats.

The banana filling becomes almost caramel-like thanks to coconut sugar and butter, and the oat crumble offers the perfect contrast in texture. You won’t miss the refined sugar or white flour for a second.

Perfect for entertaining, gifting, or treating yourself after a long day — this is the kind of dessert that’s both soul-soothing and pantry-friendly.

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