Description
These Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are a delicious and healthy snack option made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, rolled oats, and optional chocolate chips. Easy to prepare and perfect for on-the-go energy, these bars combine natural sweetness with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (1 ½ cups)
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until creamy. Stir in the creamy peanut butter, pure maple syrup, and optional vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, sea salt, and optional ground cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until a thick dough forms. If using, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread Mixture in Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly into the pan. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the bars feel firm when gently pressed.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before slicing into 9 squares. This helps the bars hold their shape and improves texture.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze bars in a freezer bag for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Use sugar-free chocolate chips or reduce the amount to lower sugar content, or omit chocolate chips altogether; bars will still be delicious but less sweet.
- Cutting into 12 smaller squares can reduce the calorie count per serving for portion control.
