Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars

This Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars recipe is one of my favorite ways to use up a ripe banana and turn it into a wholesome, feel-good snack. It’s quick, naturally sweet, and full of chewy oats, crunchy seeds, and little pockets of melty chocolate.

These banana trail mix breakfast bars are perfect for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or when you need a nourishing snack to get you through the day. They’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have, and they come together in minutes without any fuss. If you love easy recipes that feel cozy and satisfying, you’re going to adore this one.

If you love these kinds of wholesome, banana-based bakes, be sure to check out my Cranberry Walnut Banana Oat Cookies and these Easy Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Cookies too!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars Recipe

• Naturally sweetened with banana and full of feel-good ingredients.
• Comes together in one bowl with zero fuss or fancy equipment.
• A perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings or snack times.
• Packed with texture: chewy oats, crunchy seeds, and little bits of chocolate.
• Totally customizable based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients Needed For Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars

• Ripe banana. The more spotted, the better! A ripe banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, acting as the glue that binds everything together.
• Old-fashioned oats. These give the bars their chewy structure. Quick oats can work in a pinch but the texture will be softer.
• Dried cranberries. A sweet-tart pop that balances the banana. You can swap in raisins or chopped dried apricots if needed.
• Pumpkin seeds. These add crunch, protein, and a beautiful nutty flavor. Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts are great swaps.
• Chocolate chips. Just enough to satisfy a sweet craving. Mini chips distribute nicely, but use whatever you have.
• Nut butter (optional). Adds richness and helps with binding. Almond or peanut butter works best, but you can skip it if needed.

How I Make Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars

(This is a quick overview of how I make Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

1. Mash the banana. Use a fork to mash your ripe banana in a medium bowl until smooth. This is your base.
2. Add the rest. Stir in oats, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips, and nut butter if using. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Spread into a dish. Line a small baking dish with parchment and press the mixture evenly into the pan.
4. Bake. Pop into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until golden at the edges and set.
5. Cool and slice. Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps them firm up and hold together.

Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars Recipe Variations

Nut Lover’s Dream. Add chopped walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds to bring even more texture and a toasty flavor. Toast the nuts first if you want a deeper, richer taste.

Tropical Twist. Fold in shredded coconut, dried pineapple chunks, or chopped dried mango. This combo is perfect for summer or when you want that beachy, sunny vibe.

Chocolate Banana Boost. Add extra chocolate chips, swirl in a little cocoa powder, or top with a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking. It’s a great way to make these bars feel more like a dessert.

Berry Burst. Use dried blueberries, cherries, or chopped freeze-dried strawberries instead of cranberries. You’ll get a bright, fruity tang in every bite.

Seed & Superfood Power.Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts for a nutritional boost. These ingredients add fiber, omega-3s, and protein without affecting the flavor.

Protein-Packed Bars. Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the base. This works great for post-workout snacks.

No Added Sugar. Skip the chocolate chips and use only fruit-based ingredients like raisins, dates, or apple bits. The banana alone offers natural sweetness.

Gluten-Free & Nut-Free.Use certified gluten-free oats and sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter. Also, swap nuts for pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Substitutions

• Banana: Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato if you’re out of bananas.
• Nut butter: Any seed butter like sunflower or tahini works for a nut-free option.
• Pumpkin seeds: Chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, or even granola bits can take their place.
• Chocolate chips: Leave them out or swap with cocoa nibs for less sugar.
• Dried cranberries: Any dried fruit like raisins, cherries, or chopped figs are great too.

How to Make These Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars Nut-Free

To make these bars completely nut-free, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut or almond butter. Swap out any nuts in the trail mix for pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even toasted coconut. Always double-check your chocolate chips and dried fruit to ensure they’re processed in a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern.

What to Serve with Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars

• A dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.
• Fresh fruit or a smoothie for a rounded breakfast.
• A cup of coffee or tea for a cozy mid-morning break.

Best Ways to Pack Them for Lunchboxes

Let the bars cool completely before slicing, then wrap each one individually in parchment paper or store in reusable snack containers. They’re sturdy enough for lunchboxes and stay fresh for several hours at room temperature. You can even tuck a cold pack next to them for extra freshness during warmer months.

Ideas for Protein-Boosted Versions

To give your Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars a protein boost, stir in a scoop of vanilla or plain protein powder to the mixture. You can also mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or use a protein-rich seed butter like sunflower or pumpkin seed. These small changes make the bars more satisfying, especially as a post-workout snack.

How to Turn Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars Into a No-Bake Recipe

Want to skip the oven? No problem. After mixing your ingredients, press the mixture firmly into a lined dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. You can also roll the mixture into energy bites. If the mixture feels too wet, just add an extra tablespoon or two of oats until the texture firms up.

Storing / Freezing Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars

Store sliced bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual bars and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

FAQs About Banana Trail Mix Breakfast Bars

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