These Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome, chewy, and naturally sweet snack that’s perfect for breakfast on the go, a post-workout treat, or a healthy dessert. Packed with the goodness of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats, these bars are both satisfying and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and a hint of honey or maple syrup
- Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit
- Gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats)
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas
- Creamy peanut butter
- Old-fashioned oats
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
- Stir in the oats, baking powder, and salt until the mixture is evenly incorporated.
- Fold in any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bars are set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
- Fruit Boost: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for natural sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
How ripe should the bananas be?
The bananas should be very ripe with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer since quick oats absorb liquid faster.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter?
Absolutely! Any nut or seed butter will work well in this recipe.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the bars are gluten-free.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, add one scoop of your favorite protein powder and adjust the wet ingredients if needed.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
You can omit the honey or maple syrup entirely if your bananas are sweet enough.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking?
Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
What size baking pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch baking pan works best for evenly thick bars.
Conclusion
These Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are an easy, healthy, and delicious treat perfect for any time of the day. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a healthy dessert, these bars offer the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Try them today and enjoy a bite of wholesome goodness!
Print
Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft, chewy oatmeal bars are a healthy and satisfying snack made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats. Naturally sweetened and full of fiber, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go, post-workout fuel, or a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 250 g (2 1/2 cups) rolled oats
- 120 g (1/2 cup) creamy peanut butter
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 50 g (1/3 cup) dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 30 g (1/4 cup) chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or almonds)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking dish (20×20 cm or 8×8 inches) with parchment paper.
-
Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
-
Add the dry ingredients:
- Stir in the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using.
-
Bake the bars:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and serve:
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Swap peanut butter for almond butter if preferred.
- For extra sweetness, mix in raisins or dried cranberries.
- Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months for a quick snack.