4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe

Introduction

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a quick and healthy snack perfect for any time of day. Soft, naturally sweetened with bananas, and boosted with peanut butter, they satisfy your cravings without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup smooth (natural) peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined with the mashed bananas.
4. Step 4: Add the oats, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute them throughout the batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier texture, swap half the oats for quick-cooking steel-cut oats or add chopped nuts.
• Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and flavor.
• Substitute chocolate chips with raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy, you can eat them cold or warm briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a watery batter.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Otherwise, regular oats may contain traces of gluten.

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 84 reviews

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a simple, wholesome treat that combine ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and oats with a touch of vanilla and chocolate chips. Perfect as a healthy snack or breakfast option, these bars are easy to prepare and packed with natural flavors and nutrients.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (3×3 inch pieces) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup smooth (natural) peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Add-ins

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth and slightly creamy.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well to combine until the mixture is uniform.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the instant or quick cooking oats with the salt and baking powder thoroughly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the oat mixture to the banana and peanut butter mixture. Stir until just combined and the batter is thick but cohesive.
6. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to ensure they hold together well.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Natural peanut butter works best to keep the flavors rich and smooth.
• Instant or quick cooking oats provide a better texture; rolled oats can be used but will produce a denser bar.
• Chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness but can be omitted or replaced with nuts for a healthier option.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep longer.

Keywords: peanut butter bars, banana bars, healthy snack, easy dessert, no refined sugar, vegan option