Banana Peanut Butter Bars
on Feb 04, 2022
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These banana peanut butter bars are a simple to make 5-ingredient treat! They are egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and great for a quick breakfast or snack!
These 5 ingredient banana bars are so filling and packed with nutrients and healthy fats. I love baking with rolled oats as they are so nutritious and they bake so well into these soft and chewy bars. I used chocolate chips for these bars, but you can swap them for blueberries for bursts of berry flavor in every bite!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Here is what you’ll need to make these banana peanut butter bars:
- Bananas: The main source of sweetness for these granola bars. Make sure to use bananas that are overripe with several brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the bars!
- Peanut Butter: For added healthy fats and flavor.
- Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are packed with nutritious! Gluten-free rolled oats make these granola bars gluten-free.
- Cinnamon: Provides an extra warm spice and enhances the sweetness of the bananas.
- Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient for a little added sweetness and fun!
PROCESS
- Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- Add in the oats, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until incorporated.
- Press this mixture into a parchment paper-lined loaf pan. Use a spatula to flatten and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow it to cool completely before slicing into bars.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Once cooled, slice into bars and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag for up to 3 months.
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Peanut butter: The peanut butter may be replaced with any nut butter or seed-based butter.
- Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chips may be replaced with blueberries. They may also be omitted completely!
RECIPE NOTES
- Use overripe bananas for more sweetness. You may add a little maple syrup to the mixture if you prefer a sweeter bar, but I find that overripe bananas provide the perfect amount of sweetness on their own!
- I used a 9 by 5 loaf pan for this recipe. Feel free to double the ingredients to make enough to fill a brownie pan!
- Add in extra add-ins for more texture and taste! Crushed nuts are a great mix-in option for added texture!
Here are some other sweet treats that you may like!
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 2 medium overripe bananas, about 1.5 cups when pureed
- ⅓ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 ¼ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional), plus more to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
- Add in the oats, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Press this mixture into a parchment paper lined pan loaf pan. Use a spatula to flatten and smooth out the top. Sprinkle more chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow it to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for more sweetness. You may add a little maple syrup to the mixture if you prefer a sweeter bar, but I find that overripe bananas provide the perfect amount of sweetness on their own.
- I used a 9 by 5 loaf pan for this recipe. Feel free to double the ingredients to make enough to fill a brownie pan!
- Add in extra add-ins for more texture and taste! Crushed nuts are a great mix-in option for added texture!
Oh my goodness, these turned out perfectly delicious!
I wanted a simple recipe with few ingredients to use up some over ripe bananas. Very easy to make. I’ll be checking out more of your recipes!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed these bars, Erin!😊