Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars make a perfect nutritious snack or breakfast on the go. Naturally sweetened with bananas and honey, they combine wholesome oats and peanut butter for a satisfying, chewy treat.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (use natural peanut butter for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional, for added nutrition)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional, for extra sweetness)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the rolled oats, ground flaxseed (if using), chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips or dried fruit (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula or your hands.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the bars feel set to the touch.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your peanut butter contains no animal ingredients.
• Customize with your favorite mix-ins like shredded coconut, seeds, or dried berries to vary texture and flavor.
• Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together well after baking.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works just as well and adds a pleasant texture to the bars. Just be sure to mix thoroughly to distribute the peanut pieces evenly.

Are these bars gluten-free?

They can be if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Regular oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten, so check the packaging if this is a concern.

Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 392 reviews

These Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack or breakfast option, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter and hearty oats. Packed with nutritious ingredients like ground flaxseed and chopped nuts, these bars are customizable with chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor. Perfectly moist and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, they offer a satisfying and energizing treat that’s quick to prepare and great for on-the-go enjoyment.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural peanut butter preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional, for added nutrition)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional, for extra sweetness)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the bars.
2. Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until smooth. Add the creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine all the wet ingredients into a creamy mixture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, ground flaxseed (if using), chopped nuts, and a pinch of salt. If you want to add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, mix these in as well.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture bowl and stir until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a sticky batter.
5. Transfer to Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Spread the mixture evenly into the pan and press down firmly using a spatula or your hands to compact the batter.
6. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are set and the edges start to turn golden brown.
7. Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Notes

• Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils is healthier.
• Gluten-free oats can be used to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Adding ground flaxseed boosts fiber and omega-3s.
• Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit according to preference.
• Press the mixture firmly in the pan to ensure bars hold together.
• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
• Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, peanut butter bars, healthy snack bars, easy baking recipe, gluten-free snack, no refined sugar bars, breakfast bars