Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a snack that’s as wholesome as it is delicious, you’re going to adore this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe. I’ve made these bars a handful of times now, and honestly, they always come out moist, chewy, and packed with that cozy peanut butter and banana goodness. Whether you need a quick breakfast on-the-go, a lunchbox treat, or a post-workout pick-me-up, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Stick with me here—I’m going to share everything you need to know to make these bars rock your kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly, creating bars that are hearty yet tender. A quick tip: be sure your bananas are ripe with lots of brown spots—that natural sweetness and softness make all the difference.

• Bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy, both work beautifully. Choose your favorite nut butter if you want to switch it up.
• Coconut Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Applesauce: I prefer unsweetened to keep things natural; it replaces egg for a moist, tender texture.
• Almond Milk: Any non-dairy milk you have works—helps bind everything smoothly.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: For that classic chewiness and structure; avoid instant oats here.
• Baking Powder & Salt: Small but essential for lifting and balancing flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and works magic with bananas and peanut butter.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens the whole bar.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dairy-free, the melty chocolate pockets are pure joy.

Variations

I love how flexible this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe is—you can easily tweak it depending on what you have or your dietary preference. Over time, I’ve tried lots of variations, and they all bring something fun to the table.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for more texture; my family goes crazy for this addition.
• Chocolate-Free: Leave out the chips and add dried cranberries or raisins for natural sweetness.
• Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder—great if you need a post-gym snack.
• Flax Egg Replacement: I sometimes use homemade flax egg instead of applesauce if I’m out of it, and it works like a charm.

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the edges—this makes lifting the bars out once they’re set super easy. Trust me, this little step saves you a lot of frustration and keeps your bars intact.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Together

In a large bowl or your mixer’s bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth—little lumps are fine and add texture. Then beat in the peanut butter, coconut sugar, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract one by one. The batter will be thick but still pourable, so don’t worry if it feels dense.

Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and oats into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything comes together. The oats are your structural hero here—they make these bars chewy and filling. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips last, keeping them as melty surprises throughout.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Bars

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25-28 minutes—you’re looking for the center to be set, though it will still look a little soft. Resist the urge to overbake; these bars keep a lovely chewy, tender bite.

Once out of the oven, cool the pan at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Then pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. I learned the hard way that chilling is key—trying to cut them warm is messy and sticky, but chilled bars slice beautifully.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the whole batch from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars or whatever size you prefer. Optional but my favorite touch: drizzle some melted peanut butter over the top for an extra creamy flair. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple—sometimes a drizzle of warmed peanut butter or a sprinkling of chopped peanuts on top before chilling. It adds a lovely glossy finish and a little crunch. If you’re serving these bars for a brunch, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few mini chocolate chips on top adds extra charm too.

Side Dishes

These bars shine as a stand-alone snack, but if you’re serving breakfast or brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for some tang and protein. A warm cup of coffee or chai latte alongside really completes the cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re taking these bars to a potluck or birthday brunch, try cutting them into fun shapes using cookie cutters after chilling, or layering them in a clear glass dish with yogurt and fresh berries for an attractive parfait-like presentation. For holiday twists, add festive sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my bars stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 10 days. The cool temperature really keeps their texture intact without drying them out. I usually separate layers with parchment paper so nothing sticks together.

Freezing

I find these bars freeze wonderfully—just wrap individual bars in parchment or wax paper, stack them in a freezer-safe container or bag with sheets of parchment between layers. They keep for up to 3 months, and thaw perfectly overnight in the fridge so they’re ready when you are.

Reheating

If you want a warm treat, I pop a chilled bar into the microwave for about 20 seconds—it softens up just enough without melting the chocolate too much or drying out the bar. Alternatively, letting the bar sit at room temp for 10 minutes does the trick if you prefer it less warm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe keeps winning over my family and friends—it’s that perfect blend of healthy ingredients and indulgent flavor that just works. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate having this recipe in your go-to repertoire for snacks and breakfasts that feel like a treat but fuel you right. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll be slicing up batch after batch in no time. Happy baking!

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