4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness. With just a few pantry staples—ripe bananas, peanut butter, oats, and a touch of vanilla—this recipe comes together quickly and delivers a sweet, satisfying treat. The combination of peanut butter and banana is timeless, and with the addition of chocolate chips, you get a touch of indulgence in every bite. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened, making them a great option for a quick snack or breakfast. Whether you’re craving something to fuel your day or satisfy a sweet tooth, these bars will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas

• 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until they are almost smooth.

3. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and mix until well combined.

4. Stir in the oats, salt, and baking powder, mixing thoroughly.

5. Fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips, saving the rest for topping the bars.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth the top.

7. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top of the mixture.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into 6-8 pieces.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 bars

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Nut Butters: Swap out peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

• Add-ins: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor.

• Sweetener: If you’d like the bars sweeter, you can drizzle some honey or maple syrup into the mix.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

• Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe! Their sweetness and softness make them ideal for mashing and adding flavor.

2. Can I use quick oats instead of instant oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats in place of instant oats. The texture will remain similar, though the bars might be a little heartier.

3. Can I substitute the peanut butter for another nut butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, depending on your preference.

4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can use certified gluten-free oats if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the knife has batter on it, the bars need a bit more time in the oven.

6. Can I add more chocolate chips?

Of course! If you’re a fan of chocolate, feel free to add more chocolate chips into the batter or on top before baking.

7. How do I make these bars healthier?

To make the bars healthier, you can reduce or eliminate the chocolate chips or replace them with dark chocolate for a less sweet option.

8. Can I make these without baking powder?

Yes, you can omit the baking powder if you prefer. The bars will be a bit denser but will still hold together nicely.

9. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can mix in some protein powder if you want to boost the protein content. Just be sure to adjust the liquid ratio slightly, as protein powder may absorb some of the moisture.

10. Can I use regular oats instead of instant oats?

Yes, regular oats will work as well, though you may want to process them slightly in a food processor for a finer texture, so they blend better into the batter.

Conclusion

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are an easy and delicious snack or breakfast that you can enjoy any time of the day. With simple ingredients, a quick prep time, and the added bonus of customizable variations, they’re a great choice for a wholesome, sweet treat. Whether you’re looking for something to keep you fueled throughout the day or satisfy a chocolate craving, these bars have you covered!

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