Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack or breakfast option. Packed with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats, these bars are perfect for satisfying your hunger while providing a good source of energy. They are easy to make, naturally sweetened, and customizable with optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Whether you’re on the go or enjoying a cozy morning at home, these bars are the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet bananas, and hearty oats. The result is a soft, chewy, and satisfying bar that’s great for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a pre-workout energy boost. They’re packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them both filling and nutritious. Plus, they’re easy to make with just a few ingredients and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins. These bars are the perfect healthy treat to keep on hand for when hunger strikes!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional)

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. If you want to add extra sweetness, you can mash the bananas with a little bit of honey or maple syrup.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

4. Add the Oats: To the wet mixture, stir in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt. Mix until the oats are evenly coated and incorporated into the mixture.

5. Add the Milk: Slowly add the milk and stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. If you want to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts, fold them into the mixture now.

Bake the Bars:

6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Press it down lightly to help the bars set during baking.

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

8. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice into squares or bars. Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or on-the-go treat!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars (depending on size)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20-25 minutes

• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, add a handful of dark chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips to the mixture.

• Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for added crunch and nutritional value.

• Coconut: Stir in some shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a warm, spiced flavor.

• Dried Fruit: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates for a chewy, fruity addition.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of the bars may be a bit softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide more structure for the bars.

Can I make these bars without peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or a nut-free version.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars can be gluten-free.

Can I make these bars without honey or maple syrup?

You can replace the honey or maple syrup with another liquid sweetener, such as agave nectar or a sugar substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, these bars are naturally vegan if you use maple syrup (instead of honey), plant-based milk (like almond milk or oat milk), and a vegan peanut butter.

Conclusion

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are the perfect combination of healthy, satisfying, and delicious. With the natural sweetness of bananas and the creamy richness of peanut butter, these bars are a fantastic snack or breakfast that’s both nutritious and filling. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite add-ins, and perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go snack. Try this recipe today and enjoy a wholesome, tasty treat that you can feel good about!