These Peanut Butter Banana Bars are the perfect combination of moist, naturally sweet, and full of flavor. They make a fantastic healthy snack or dessert, offering a satisfying bite that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
If I’m using chocolate chips, I’ll fold them in at this point.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Variations
I love how versatile these peanut butter banana bars can be. Here are some ideas for customizing them to suit my taste:
Add-ins: I sometimes mix in nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Chocolate: I occasionally top them with a drizzle of melted chocolate or use mini chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Nut butter: If I don’t have peanut butter on hand, almond butter or cashew butter work wonderfully as alternatives.
Sweetener: For a slightly different flavor, I’ll switch out honey for maple syrup or agave syrup.
Storage/Reheating
These bars store really well! Here’s how I handle them:
Room Temperature: I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Refrigeration: For a longer shelf life, I store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: If I make a big batch, I like to freeze some. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, I’ll microwave them for 10-15 seconds or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, I can substitute whole wheat flour with regular all-purpose flour or even oat flour for a gluten-free option.
Can I make these bars without the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The bars are delicious without chocolate chips. I often skip them for a more naturally sweet snack, but they’re optional and can be left out.
Are these bars suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, these bars can easily be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring the peanut butter is free from dairy ingredients. The bars are already dairy-free as written.
How can I make these bars more moist?
If I want a more moist bar, I can add an extra banana or a little extra peanut butter to the mixture. I might also reduce the baking time slightly to keep them softer.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! I often double the recipe if I’m making these for a group or for meal prepping. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed and use a larger pan.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make treat. I love how they’re made with simple ingredients I usually have in my pantry, and they’re perfect for satisfying my sweet cravings while keeping things healthy. Whether I’m enjoying them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, these bars never disappoint.
Recipe:
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Peanut Butter Banana Bars
These Peanut Butter Banana Bars are the perfect blend of natural sweetness and rich flavor. Made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and a touch of cinnamon, these bars offer a healthy, nutritious snack or dessert. Easy to make, no mixer needed, and customizable with optional add-ins like chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for meal prepping, a mid-afternoon snack, or a light dessert. Enjoy a wholesome treat that’s delicious, satisfying, and full of flavor!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
-
Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and mix until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
-
If using chocolate chips, fold them in.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Notes
Add-ins: Customize with nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 180 kcal
