If you’re looking for a healthy, satisfying snack or an on-the-go breakfast, these Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are exactly what you need in your life. Imagine biting into a chewy bar packed with sweet banana flavor, the nutty richness of peanut butter, creamy chocolate chips, and wholesome oats—all without a speck of refined sugar or flour. These bars are like a cozy hug; not only are they naturally sweetened and oh-so-easy to whip up, but they’ll keep you full and energized for hours. Whether you’re rushing out the door, seeking a better homemade treat, or fueling up for an afternoon adventure, this is the ultimate recipe for Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars couldn’t be more straightforward, but each one plays a star role in making these bars delightfully flavorful and nutrient-packed. Here’s how each item brings something special to the table.

Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with plenty of brown spots—this ensures natural sweetness and a soft, creamy texture.
Creamy Peanut Butter: For that luscious, nutty base that pairs perfectly with banana and holds everything together.
Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a gentle caramel sweetness and ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
Vanilla Extract (optional): A splash takes the flavors up a notch, making the bars taste bakery-worthy.
Rolled Oats: The heart of these oat bars, adding satisfying chew and whole-grain goodness.
Sea Salt: Just enough to enhance and balance sweetness, making every flavor pop.
Ground Cinnamon (optional): For that warm, aromatic depth that makes Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars extra comforting.
Chocolate Chips (optional): Stir these in for melty, chocolatey pockets—totally irresistible!

How to Make Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab an 8” x 8” baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This step is key if you want to remove the bars easily and enjoy perfect, neat slices every single time.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients

Peel your ripe bananas and mash them in a large mixing bowl until creamy and lump-free. Add the creamy peanut butter, pure maple syrup, and, if using, the vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and beautifully combined—it should smell divine already!

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring the dough together. Add the rolled oats, sea salt, and cinnamon to your banana mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed and you see a thick, sticky dough forming. If you’re going for that chocolate chip magic, gently fold those in now so they’re nestled into every bite.

Step 4: Spread Into Pan

Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to press and spread it evenly across the pan, smoothing out the top. For extra wow-factor, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the surface before baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pop the pan onto the center rack of the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown and the surface feels set to the touch. These Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars smell amazing as they bake—get ready for that irresistible aroma!

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before you slice them. This patience pays off: cool bars hold together beautifully and cut into perfect squares or rectangles, ready to enjoy whenever the craving hits.

How to Serve Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars with a light dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These simple touches add a gourmet flair (and even more flavor) to each slice.

Side Dishes

Pair these hearty bars with a cold glass of almond milk or hot coffee for breakfast. For a fun snacky platter, serve them alongside sliced apples, fresh strawberries, or a scoop of Greek yogurt. The bars’ nutty-sweet profile is versatile and plays well with tons of sides!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars into bite-sized cubes and skewer with toothpicks for party platters. Or, layer crumbled bars with yogurt and berries for a parfait-style treat. You can even wrap individual bars in parchment to create grab-and-go snacks for lunchboxes or hikes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay moist and chewy, so you can enjoy them throughout the week without losing any of their fresh-out-of-the-oven appeal.

Freezing

Wrap each slice of Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars individually in plastic wrap or parchment, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just grab one whenever you need a fuss-free snack.

Reheating

To enjoy your oat bars warm, simply microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds, or pop them in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes until just heated through. The chocolate chips get melty, and the bar becomes irresistibly gooey!

FAQs

Can I make these Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars nut-free?

You absolutely can! Just substitute creamy sunflower seed butter or a soy nut butter for the peanut butter. The bars will still hold together beautifully and taste delicious—great for lunchboxes or allergen-free snacking.

Are the oats in this recipe gluten-free?

As long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars will be completely gluten-free. Always double-check your labels if gluten is a concern.

How can I make these bars sweeter or less sweet?

If you prefer a sweeter bar, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a handful of extra chocolate chips. For less sweetness, cut the maple syrup back to 2 tablespoons and skip the chocolate chips entirely.

What can I use instead of chocolate chips?

Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of strawberry jam to the batter. These variations make the Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars fun and customizable.

Do these bars work as a breakfast or are they just a snack?

They make a fantastic breakfast! Packed with whole grains, fruit, healthy fats, and protein, these Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars will keep you full and energized whether you’re starting your day or reaching for a midday boost.

Final Thoughts

Give these Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars a try and I promise they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen. With their dreamy flavors, wholesome ingredients, and super-simple method, there’s every reason to bake up a batch and dive in!

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These 7-Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. They are easy to make, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and pure maple syrup.

Ingredients

Scale

Ripe Bananas:

3 ripe bananas (1 ½ cups mashed)

Peanut Butter Mixture:

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)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional*)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Stir in peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients: Combine oats, sea salt, and cinnamon in the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until a thick dough forms. Add chocolate chips if desired.
Spread mixture: Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and firm to touch.
Cool and serve: Let the bars cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can customize these bars by adding nuts, dried fruits, or seeds to the mixture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American