Peanut Butter Banana Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. With only four core ingredients and a short prep time, these bars offer a great balance of flavors—sweet bananas, creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, and melty chocolate. It’s a perfect option for meal prep, a post-workout snack, or a quick breakfast on-the-go. Plus, the natural sweetness of the bananas keeps them healthier compared to other dessert bars, making it a great choice for the whole family!

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until 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. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.

5. Fold in 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips, setting aside the remaining chocolate chips for the top.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spoon or spatula.

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

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

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

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 bars

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Try adding nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. You could also mix in dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins.

• Flavored oats: Experiment with flavored oats like cinnamon or apple cinnamon to bring additional depth of flavor.

• Nut butters: Switch out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different twist on the taste.

• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe completely dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Peanut Butter Banana Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge where they can last for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold for a refreshing snack.

FAQs

1. Can I use peanut butter with added sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can, but it may result in a sweeter bar. Natural peanut butter is recommended for a more balanced, healthier snack.

2. Can I make these bars without oats?

Oats are a key ingredient for the texture, but you can try substituting them with other whole grains like quinoa flakes or even almond meal for a different consistency.

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

Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready to be taken out of the oven.

4. Can I freeze these bars for later?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5. How do I make the bars more decadent?

Add more chocolate chips, swirl in a bit of peanut butter on top before baking, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a rich finish.

6. Can I use a different type of flour instead of oats?

Oats help provide texture and structure to the bars, so using a flour substitute might affect the final result. However, almond flour could be a good alternative for a gluten-free version.

7. Can I substitute the bananas with applesauce?

Bananas add moisture and sweetness to the bars, so substituting with applesauce will change the flavor. If you do, try using a sweetened applesauce to compensate for the sweetness of the bananas.

8. How should I cut the bars for serving?

Once the bars have cooled, cut them into 6-8 pieces depending on your preferred portion size.

9. Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to boost the protein content. Just make sure to adjust the dry ingredients to account for the added powder.

10. How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom?

Make sure to fold the chocolate chips into the batter gently, and you can also reserve a few to sprinkle on top before baking. This will help keep the chips evenly distributed.

Conclusion

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are the perfect mix of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a healthy breakfast, or a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings, these bars are a great choice. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, they’ll soon become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

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