Print

Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Easy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a nutritious and delicious no-bake snack perfect for a quick breakfast or on-the-go energy boost. Made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, oats, and optional mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips, these bars combine natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (preferably natural)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional, for added nutrition)
  • A pinch of salt

Optional Mix-ins

  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit

Instructions

  1. Prepare Wet Ingredients: Start by mashing the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Measure out the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to have everything ready.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the rolled oats, ground flaxseed if using, and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the oats evenly and distribute all ingredients.
  4. Fold in Optional Mix-ins: If using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, gently fold them into the mixture now to ensure even distribution without breaking up the ingredients.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
  6. Press Mixture Firmly: Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish, then use a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly. Compacting the mixture well helps the bars hold together after cutting.
  7. Chill to Set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the mixture is firm and set.
  8. Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out with the parchment paper, place on a cutting board, and slice into bars or squares of your preferred size. Enjoy immediately or store for later.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Use natural peanut butter to reduce added sugars and oils.
  • Gluten-free oats can be substituted to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Bar size can be adjusted based on your appetite or portion preferences.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana peanut butter bars, oatmeal bars, no-bake snack, healthy bars, peanut butter oat bars, vegetarian snack, easy breakfast bars

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/easy-banana-peanut-butter-oatmeal-bars-recipe/