Cozy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe – Snack Joy!

Mornings call for a delightful breakfast treat that combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with wholesome banana peanut butter oatmeal bars.

These bars pack a nutritious punch that’ll energize you from the first bite.

Naturally sweet bananas meld perfectly with nutty peanut butter, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Rolled oats add a hearty texture that makes each bar satisfying and filling.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in this no-fuss recipe that works for busy weekdays or lazy weekend brunches.

Kids and adults alike will love these portable, protein-packed bars that make snacking both delicious and nutritious.

Whip up a batch and watch them disappear in minutes.

Serving Banana Oatmeal Bars for Any Time of Day

• Breakfast Bliss Companion: Pair these bars with a creamy Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries for a protein-packed morning kickstart.
• Afternoon Energy Boost: Slice the bars into bite-sized squares for a quick snack during work or study breaks, perfect with a steaming cup of herbal tea.
• Dessert Transformation: Drizzle melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top to elevate these bars into a decadent after-dinner treat that satisfies sweet cravings.
• Traveling Treat: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or road trip snack that keeps you fueled and satisfied.

Best Storage for Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious texture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to extend shelf life for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delectable bars.
• Portion Control Hack: Cut bars into uniform sizes before storing, making grab-and-go snacking easier and helping manage serving portions throughout the week.
• Room Temperature Tips: If enjoying within 2 days, stack bars between parchment paper layers in a sealed container at room temperature, ensuring optimal moisture and preventing them from sticking together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 12

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Ingredient Rundown

• Banana: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and helps bind ingredients together; choose ripe, soft bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
• Oats: Creates hearty texture and provides essential fiber; opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for best consistency.
• Peanut Butter: Adds rich protein and creamy depth; select natural, unsweetened variety for healthier option.

• Honey, Maple Syrup: Enhances sweetness and adds subtle flavor; choose pure, high-quality versions for best taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic undertone; use pure extract for most authentic flavor profile.

• Baking Powder: Helps bars rise and become light; ensure it's fresh for optimal performance.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Chocolate Chips, Nuts: Introduces extra texture and personalized flavor; select high-quality, fresh ingredients for best results.

Tools to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars Easily

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining and mixing all ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking Pan (8×8 or 9×9 inch): Ideal for creating uniform bars with even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for mixing and folding ingredients.
• Potato Masher or Fork: Helps mash bananas to a smooth consistency.
• Cooling Rack: Allows bars to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for clean, precise bar cutting after cooling.

How to Make Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

• Squish and Blend Bananas

Grab ripe bananas and mash them into a creamy pulp using a fork or potato masher until super smooth.

• Create Wet Mixture

Pour in peanut butter, drizzle honey, and splash vanilla. Stir everything together until it looks like a rich, glossy blend.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Dump in rolled oats, sprinkle baking powder, and add a pinch of salt. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and looking delicious.

• Add Tasty Extras

Want more excitement? Toss in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or whatever makes your taste buds dance.

• Spread and Bake

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven.

• Bake to Perfection

Let the bars bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set center as your signal they’re ready.

• Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and let cool completely. Slice into mouth-watering bars and enjoy your delicious creation.

Healthy Tips to Adjust Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and better binding in the recipe.
• Texture Trick: For chewier bars, use rolled oats instead of quick oats to maintain more structure and hearty texture.
• Protein Power: Swap regular peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for different flavor profiles and nutritional variety.
• Dietary Friendly: Make these bars gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac needs.
• Storage Wisdom: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to extend freshness.

Wholesome Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade banana peanut butter oatmeal bars combine classic comfort flavors for a delightful snack. Nutritious ingredients and simple preparation make these bars a quick, satisfying treat you’ll enjoy anytime.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 250 g (2 ½ cups) rolled oats
• 120 g (½ cup) creamy peanut butter
• 60 ml (¼ cup) honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 50 g (⅓ cup) dark chocolate chips (optional)
• 30 g (¼ cup) chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or almonds)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and non-stick surface.
2. Banana Transformation: Crush ripe bananas into a velvety puree, breaking down all fruit fibers to create a smooth base for the bars.
3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Whisk peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas until thoroughly combined and homogeneous.
4. Dry Ingredient Integration: Gently fold in rolled oats, baking powder, and salt, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly and prevent clumping.
5. Optional Texture Enhancement: Delicately incorporate chocolate chips or chopped nuts to add dimensional complexity and satisfying crunch to the mixture.
6. Pan Loading: Spread the mixture evenly across the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to guarantee uniform baking and consistent texture.
7. Baking Process: Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a set center, which indicates the bars have reached perfect doneness.
8. Cooling and Cutting: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, then slice into precise, uniform portions ready for serving and enjoying.

Notes

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Select overripe bananas with dark brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and easier mashing, ensuring a more flavorful base.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Mix wet ingredients thoroughly before adding dry components to maintain moisture and create a soft, chewy bar consistency.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Experiment with alternative add-ins like chia seeds, dried fruit, or coconut flakes to adapt the recipe for different dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Adjust honey or maple syrup quantity based on banana ripeness and personal taste, allowing flexibility in sugar content without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg