Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Chewy, wholesome, and naturally sweet, these Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are one of my favorite ways to turn ripe bananas into a healthy and satisfying treat. Packed with nutritious oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, they make a perfect on-the-go breakfast, post-workout snack, or a guilt-free dessert.

Ingredients

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

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, I mash the bananas until smooth.

I stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.

Then, I add in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. I mix everything until fully incorporated.

If I’m using mini chocolate chips, I fold them in at this stage.

I spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

I bake the bars for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

After baking, I let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9 bars.

Prep Time: 10 minute

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Each bar contains approximately 180 kcal.

Variations

I sometimes swap the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.

For added texture, I mix in a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds.

I’ve also added chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.

To make them more indulgent, I drizzle melted dark chocolate on top after baking.

I occasionally stir in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, I refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well—I wrap individual bars and freeze them for up to 2 months. I simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them for a few seconds in the microwave if I want them soft and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, I can use quick oats, but the texture will be softer and less chewy compared to using rolled oats.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Absolutely. I replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini to keep them nut-free.

Do I have to use sweetener?

If my bananas are very ripe and sweet, I sometimes reduce or omit the maple syrup/honey altogether, though it may slightly affect the texture.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Yes, I freeze them all the time. I just wrap each bar individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for easy grab-and-go snacks.

What can I substitute for bananas?

Unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch, but the bars won’t be as sweet or flavorful. I use about 1 cup of applesauce to replace 2 bananas.

Conclusion

These Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are one of those recipes I keep coming back to. They’re simple to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for just about any time of day. Whether I’m rushing out the door in the morning or craving something sweet in the afternoon, I know these bars will hit the spot. Give them a try—I think they’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too.

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