Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, chewy snack that balances natural sweetness with rich, nutty flavor. These bars are perfect for breakfast, a midday energy boost, or as a healthy dessert. Packed with the goodness of oats, ripe bananas, and creamy peanut butter, they’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and great for meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Nutritious and Filling: Made with natural ingredients like bananas and oats, these bars provide fiber, protein, and energy.
2. Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to suit your taste.
3. Simple Ingredients: All the components are pantry staples or easily accessible.
4. Perfect for On-the-Go: These bars are a portable snack, ideal for busy mornings or as a travel companion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
2. Stir together until well mixed and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
2. Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and egg (if using). Mix until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
2. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until the oats are evenly coated and a sticky dough forms.
3. If desired, stir in optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Pan

1. Scoop the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
2. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring it’s compact and level.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
2. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and transfer them to a cutting board.
2. Slice into 12 squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
3. Serve immediately or store for later.

Tips for Success

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bars will be.
2. Press Firmly: Compacting the mixture in the pan ensures the bars hold their shape after baking.
3. Don’t Overbake: Check the bars around the 20-minute mark to avoid drying them out.
4. Cooling Is Key: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Variations

1. Chocolate Lover’s Bars

• Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the wet ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
• Stir in extra chocolate chips or chunks.

2. Nutty Banana Bars

• Swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter.
• Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts for crunch.

3. Tropical Bars

• Mix in shredded coconut and dried pineapple for a tropical flair.
• Replace peanut butter with coconut butter.

4. Protein-Packed Bars

• Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to the dry ingredients.
• Sprinkle chia seeds or flaxseeds into the mixture for an extra boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but they may result in a slightly softer texture. For chewier bars, stick to old-fashioned oats.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Absolutely! Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini, and omit any nut-based add-ins.

What if I don’t have honey or maple syrup?

You can use agave syrup, date syrup, or even brown sugar as a substitute. Adjust the quantity based on sweetness.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and omit the egg. Add a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for binding.

Conclusion

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that deliver on taste and nutrition. Their chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and versatility make them a favorite for all ages. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or baking a quick snack for your family, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy.

Yield: 12

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, chewy snack that balances natural sweetness with rich, nutty flavor. These bars are perfect for breakfast, a midday energy boost, or as a healthy dessert. Packed with the goodness of oats, ripe bananas, and creamy peanut butter, they’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and great for meal prepping.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
   Stir in the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
   Add the rolled oats, salt, and cinnamon (if using) to the wet mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
   If desired, fold in the chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts.
4. Transfer to the Baking Pan
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
   Smooth the top for an even surface.
5. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
6. Cool and Slice
   Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   Once cooled, slice into 12 bars or your preferred size.

Notes

Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.

Customizations: Add seeds (like chia or flax), shredded coconut, or even a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor and nutrition.