Easy Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe for Sweet Joy

Decadent and wholesome, these peanut butter banana bars blend comfort with nutrition in every delightful bite.

Creamy peanut butter intertwines perfectly with ripe bananas, creating a moist and irresistible treat.

Packed with natural sweetness and protein, these bars offer a guilt-free indulgence for snack lovers.

The recipe comes together effortlessly with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Each bar delivers a rich, soft texture that melts in your mouth and satisfies sweet cravings.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these bars will become your new go-to dessert.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary treat that promises to delight your taste buds.

Storing Snack Bars for Later

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for a quick grab-and-go snack.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, perfect for quick energy bites during the day.
• Place a paper towel in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and prevent bars from becoming soggy.

FAQs

• Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, they can be if you use certified gluten-free oats, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work great as substitutes for peanut butter in this recipe.

• How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe, almost completely brown bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture in the bars.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the combination of chocolate chips, peanut butter, and banana, and it’s a nutritious snack option.

Peanut Butter Banana Bars: Snack Standouts

• Whip Up Wholesome Goodness: These bars pack a nutritious punch with ripe bananas, hearty oats, and protein-rich peanut butter, making them a delightful treat that sneaks in healthy ingredients.
• Breeze Through Baking: Forget complicated steps – this recipe requires simple mixing and minimal preparation, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a quick and satisfying dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Twist: Chocolate chips create an irresistible sweet accent that transforms basic banana bars into a crowd-favorite snack kids and adults will love, ensuring everyone asks for seconds.
• Versatile Snacking Solution: Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up, or post-workout bite, these bars adapt seamlessly to different moments and hunger needs.

What You Need for Banana Bars

• Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Oats: Whole oats create a hearty texture and provide nutritional value.

• Chocolate Chips, Vanilla Extract: These ingredients add depth of flavor and sweetness to the bars.

• Salt, Baking Powder: Salt enhances overall flavor, while baking powder helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.

Instructions for Making Banana Snack Bars

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F.

Grab your loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Smash and Blend Wet Goodness

Take those ripe bananas and turn them into a silky smooth mash.

Stir in creamy peanut butter and a splash of vanilla extract until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 3: Bring in the Dry Teammates

• Rolled oats
• Pinch of salt
• Baking powder

Mix everything together until well blended.

Gently fold in a handful of chocolate chips, saving some for topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan.

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for extra deliciousness.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a knife – it should come out clean when the bars are ready.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into 6-8 tasty pieces.

Enjoy your homemade treat with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

Tips for Chewy, Nutty Bars

• Use overripe, spotty bananas for deeper sweetness and more intense banana taste.
• Gently fold chocolate chips to prevent sinking, ensuring even spread throughout bars.
• Replace some oats with almond flour for a lighter, more delicate crumb.
• Swap chocolate chips for dairy-free dark chocolate chunks to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Store bars in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Banana Bar Variations for a New Twist

• Gluten-Free Banana Bars: Replace regular oats with certified gluten-free oats for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor and added nutrition.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Option: Use dairy-free dark chocolate chips and replace eggs with ground flaxseed or chia seed mixture.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute chocolate chips with chopped nuts and use ripe bananas for natural sweetness, reducing added sugars.

Serving Peanut Butter Bars

• Breakfast Companion: Pair these bars with a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a delightful morning treat.
• Afternoon Energy Boost: Grab a bar as a quick, protein-packed snack between meals to keep hunger at bay and maintain steady energy levels.
• Dessert Upgrade: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an indulgent dessert twist.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack these bars for outdoor adventures, road trips, or lunchbox additions that offer both nutrition and delicious flavor.

Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent peanut butter banana bars merge sweet tropical fruit with creamy nutty richness for a perfect portable treat. Homemade goodness awaits as you savor each moist, wholesome bite of this irresistible snack that promises comfort and deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 super ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) smooth natural peanut butter
• 1 1/4 cups (100 g) quick cooking oats

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking powder

Topping Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup (85 g) chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. Thoroughly mash ripe bananas until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Incorporate peanut butter and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas, stirring until well blended.
4. Gently fold in rolled oats, salt, and baking powder, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Add two-thirds of the chocolate chips into the batter, mixing carefully to spread them evenly.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula.
7. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top of the batter for additional texture and flavor.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 6-8 serving pieces.

Notes

• Swap out peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to accommodate nut allergies and create a versatile treat.
• Enhance nutrition by using gluten-free oats for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these bars.
• Reduce sugar content by choosing dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa percentage, which adds rich flavor while cutting down on sweetness.
• Customize texture by adjusting banana ripeness – more ripe bananas create denser, moister bars, while slightly firmer bananas maintain a lighter consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg