Welcome to the ultimate recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars! If you’re searching for a simple, wholesome, and incredibly delicious snack that doubles as a quick breakfast, you’ve found it. These bars are packed with creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, and hearty oats for a treat that satisfies your cravings and fuels your day. They are wonderfully soft, chewy, and perfect for the whole family.
Why These Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Are a Must-Try
These aren’t just any oatmeal bars. They strike the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. They are naturally sweetened with bananas and a touch of maple syrup, making them a smart choice for a guilt-free treat. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for meal prep to ensure you have healthy snacks on hand all week long.
These bars are a game-changer for busy mornings. They are as easy to make as our popular Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats but in a convenient, portable bar form!
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of common pantry staples to get started.
Core Components
- Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture.
- Ripe Bananas: The spottier, the better! Overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- Natural Peanut Butter: Creamy, all-natural peanut butter works best.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of pure maple syrup adds sweetness and helps bind the bars. Honey works too.
- Egg: One large egg helps hold everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon & Salt: For warmth and flavor balance.
Optional Mix-ins for Extra Flavor
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are a classic addition.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.
- Shredded Coconut: For a little extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these bars is a straightforward process. Just mix, press, and bake! Follow these simple steps for perfect results.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they are mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. If you’re using any mix-ins like chocolate chips, gently fold them in now.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture down firmly and evenly. This step is crucial for ensuring the bars hold together!
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool Completely: This is the most important step! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps them set and prevents them from crumbling.
For another easy, healthy snack idea, check out our go-to protein balls recipe.
Expert Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Bars Every Time
Want to ensure your Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars come out perfectly? Follow these simple tips from our kitchen.
- Press Firmly: Don’t be shy when pressing the mixture into the pan. A tightly packed base is the key to bars that don’t fall apart.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The ripeness of your bananas is crucial for sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly results. The center should be set, but still soft.
- Cool Completely: I can’t stress this enough! Cutting into the bars while they’re still warm will cause them to crumble. Patience is key.
Customizing Your Oatmeal Bars: Fun Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Much like our versatile Cherry Almond Granola Bars, you can tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
Making Them Vegan
To make these bars vegan, simply replace the egg with a “flax egg.” Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Ensure you are using dairy-free chocolate chips.
Making Them Gluten-Free
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All other core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your labels to be safe.
Proper Storage Instructions
Storing your bars correctly will keep them fresh and delicious.
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: For a firmer, chewier bar, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- In the Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are a healthy option for a snack or breakfast. They are packed with fiber from oats, protein and healthy fats from peanut butter, and natural sweetness from bananas. They provide sustained energy and are much healthier than store-bought granola bars.
Absolutely! To make them vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). For gluten-free bars, simply ensure you are using certified gluten-free rolled oats.
You can, but it will change the texture. Rolled oats provide a chewy, distinct texture, whereas quick oats will result in a softer, more cake-like bar. We recommend using rolled oats for the best result.
The two most important steps are to press the mixture down very firmly in the pan before baking and to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This allows them to set properly and hold their shape.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or individually wrapped in the freezer for up to 3 months for a quick grab-and-go snack.
The Ultimate Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars (Easy & Healthy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Whisk in the peanut butter, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Stir until just combined, then fold in the optional chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly and evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares. This is crucial for them to hold together.
Notes
Tip 2: Press the mixture very firmly into the pan to ensure your bars are dense and not crumbly.
Tip 3: For a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
Share Your Creations!
We hope you love these Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars as much as we do! If you try the recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
