Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars (Printable Version)

Chewy bars with creamy peanut butter, ripe banana, and hearty oats, perfect for a quick energy boost.

# What You Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
06 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
07 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Steps:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
03 - Add peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until thoroughly combined.
04 - Incorporate oats, salt, cinnamon, and any optional nuts or chocolate chips. Mix until evenly distributed.
05 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm to the touch.
07 - Lift bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • No baking means you can make these while your coffee brews or during a lunch break.
  • They're naturally sweet without tasting like you're eating a protein bar from a gym.
  • One batch feeds you for days and actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a while.
02 -
  • The bars need real chill time to set properly—trying to cut them too early results in a crumbly mess, but patience gives you clean slices.
  • Overripe bananas are your friend here; if they're almost too soft to peel, they're exactly right for this recipe.
03 -
  • Press the mixture firmly into the pan—gentle pressing leads to bars that fall apart when you cut them, but firm pressure creates clean, solid slices.
  • If your peanut butter is thick and stubborn, warm it slightly before mixing so it combines smoothly with everything else.
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