Delicious Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These delicious Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and easy-to-make snack or breakfast option, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter and hearty oats. Ready in just 35 minutes, they offer a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, optionally enhanced with chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- 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
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Rolled Oats (Old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (For leavening)
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (Optional, for extra flavor)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium Bananas (Ripe for maximum sweetness)
- 1 cup Peanut Butter (Natural peanut butter with no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup Oil (Any type based on preference)
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (Can be substituted with honey)
- 1 large Egg (Can be substituted with flaxseed meal mixed with water for vegan option)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Melt peanut butter and oil: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and oil together for 20 to 30 seconds until just combined and smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients: To the melted mixture, add the mashed ripe bananas, maple syrup, egg, and baking powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: Fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips gently until the mixture is well combined but not overmixed, ensuring an even distribution of chips.
- Transfer batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still moist.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before cutting into 12 servings for clean squares and easier handling.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes).
- Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar for a healthier option.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey if preferred or based on availability.
- Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week.
- Chocolate chips are optional and can be omitted or replaced with nuts or dried fruit according to taste.
Keywords: banana oatmeal bars, peanut butter bars, healthy snack, baked oatmeal bars, easy breakfast bars
