4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars (3x3 inch pieces) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth and slightly creamy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well to combine until the mixture is uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the instant or quick cooking oats with the salt and baking powder thoroughly.
- 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.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- 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.
- 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
