Description

If you’re in love with cozy breakfasts that don’t leave you hungry an hour later, these Banana Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Bars with Lemon Zest and Coconut are it. Packed with oats, natural sweetness, and a boost of protein, they’re a simple make-ahead option that works as hard as you do.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

3 large eggs

1 2/3 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)

1/2 cup vanilla, high-protein Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Zest of 1 lemon

1 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1/3 cup unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut

2 tablespoons chia seeds

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° / 175°C and lightly grease an 8x8" baking dish.
Place the coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.
Add the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, maple syrup, melted butter, lemon juice, and brown sugar, and whisk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
Lightly mash ¼ cup of the blueberries.
Gently fold in the blueberries, coconut, and chia seeds.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Toasting the coconut brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor and adds a subtle crunch.

The Greek yogurt and chia seeds add protein while keeping the texture soft and satisfying.

Add a splash of extra milk if the mixture thickens too much before baking.

The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the baked oatmeal will be.

Do not skip the lemon zest, as it brightens the blueberries and balances the cinnamon.

If using frozen blueberries, add them directly without thawing.

Using vanilla Greek yogurt instead of plain helps build sweetness without needing excess sugar

The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a more layered flavor than using just one sweetener.

The added lemon juice enhances the blueberry flavor and keeps the oatmeal from tasting flat.

This recipe is designed to be moist but set; if you prefer it firmer, bake slightly longer.

For a slightly richer finish, serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 - 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American