Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars (View Print Version)

Chewy bars featuring peanut butter, banana, and oats, perfect for a natural energy lift.

# What You'll Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
06 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
07 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Method:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
03 - Add peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until thoroughly combined.
04 - Add oats, salt, cinnamon, and optional nuts or chocolate chips. Mix evenly until all components are fully integrated.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
07 - Lift the set mixture from the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 bars and store in an airtight container refrigerated up to one week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zero baking means these are done mixing in under 10 minutes flat.
  • They taste like a guilty pleasure but your body knows you're eating actual whole foods.
  • Perfect for meal prep because they stay fresh in the fridge all week and travel beautifully in a lunchbox.
02 -
  • The firmness of your bars depends entirely on how ripe your bananas are—overripe bananas with deep brown spots actually make the best, sweetest bars.
  • If your mixture feels too loose after stirring, add another small handful of oats; if it feels too dry, a tablespoon of peanut butter fixes it immediately.
03 -
  • Freeze the bars and they'll keep for up to two months, transforming into little frozen treats that feel completely different but equally delicious.
  • If your kitchen is warm and the bars start softening, just pop them back in the fridge for 20 minutes before slicing—they'll firm right back up.
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