Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy ingredients – Packed with oats, bananas, and peanut butter, these bars provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
• Naturally sweetened – No refined sugar! The sweetness comes from ripe bananas and a little honey.
• Quick and easy – These bars come together in just 10 minutes and bake in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile – Customize with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• Perfect for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time, and enjoy them throughout the week for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients

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

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the bananas – In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine wet ingredients – Stir in the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and milk into the mashed bananas until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients – Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir everything together until the oats are evenly coated with the wet ingredients.
5. Add mix-ins – If you’re using chocolate chips or chopped nuts, fold them into the batter now.
6. Bake the bars – Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and slice – Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice them into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve and enjoy – Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Version – Use maple syrup instead of honey and swap the milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Add-ins – Customize your bars by adding in ¼ cup of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), seeds (chia, flax, or sunflower), or even a scoop of protein powder.
• Chocolate Lovers – Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra treat.
• Nut-Free Option – Use sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) or almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version.
• Coconut Flavor – Add a ¼ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer shelf life, refrigerate the bars for up to a week.
• Freezer: Freeze the bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, soft snack.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats in place of rolled oats. The texture may be a bit softer, but they’ll still work well in this recipe.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works great as a substitute for peanut butter, giving the bars a slightly different flavor but keeping the same texture.

Are these bars gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels of all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make these bars without honey?

Yes! If you prefer a sugar-free or vegan version, you can replace honey with maple syrup or another sweetener like agave nectar.

Can I use ripe bananas in place of mashed bananas?

Yes, ripe bananas are perfect for this recipe! Just make sure to mash them well so they blend evenly into the batter.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Check the bars by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the bars are done.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes! If you want to add protein, simply mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or chocolate work best) along with the dry ingredients.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, these bars are perfect for meal prep! Make a batch at the beginning of the week and store them in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?

Yes, chocolate chips are optional. You can skip them or replace them with chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can use other sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit if you prefer a lower sugar option. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of the sweetener you’re using.

Conclusion

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, tasty, and satisfying snack that combines the goodness of oats, bananas, and peanut butter into a perfectly portable treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a simple way to curb your sweet tooth, these bars are the perfect choice. With endless possibilities for add-ins and flavor variations, they’re sure to become a regular in your meal prep rotation!

---

Print