These peanut butter banana oatmeal bars are as nourishing as they are delicious! Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with banana, these bars make the perfect grab and go breakfast, after school snack, or a treat any old time.
Nutty For Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
Wholesome Treat: With fiber, healthy fats, and protein, these bars are a wholesome snack that will keep you energized.
Quick and Easy: Using simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can make a homemade treat that is delicious and ready in under an hour.
Beginner Friendly: This recipe does not require fancy tools. All you need is a fork to mash the bananas, a bowl to mix, a baking pan, and parchment paper for easy removal.
Naturally Sweetened: No added sugar here! Just the natural sweetness of ripe bananas (oh, and just a little chocolate) creates the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients That Make This Recipe Shine
Wholesome Foundations
Rolled oats are the chewy, wholesome base that keeps these bars hearty and satisfying.
Ground flaxseed and chia seeds are small but mighty nutrition boosters packed with fiber and omega-3s.
Baking powder provides a gentle lift for a lighter, fluffier texture.
Binding & Flavorful Essentials
Mashed bananas are naturally sweet and full of moisture, they bind everything together without added sugar.
Peanut butter delivers a rich, nutty flavor and a protein punch.
Non-dairy milk keeps the bars soft and vegan-friendly.
Just a teaspoon of vanilla adds nice flavor and enhances the sweetness.
Finishing Touches
Chopped walnuts adds crunch and healthy fats for an extra boost of nutrition.
Chocolate chips are the perfect add in because every treat deserves a little indulgence!
How To Make Banana Oatmeal Bars
In a bowl, mix dry ingredients (leave out the nuts and chocolate chips).
Add wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.
Stir in nuts and chocolate chips, press into prepared pan, and bake (as directed below).
Cool in pan before slicing.
Tips To Bake Like a Pro
Use very ripe bananas and mash well. Some lumps are fine, but a smooth banana puree is the best way to help everything stick together. I find a hand blender works well and is easy to use.
Mix gently because you want all ingredients evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
Add the walnuts after mixing in the flour. Dry flour will get into the small crevices in the walnuts and not mix in properly.
Press batter firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold their shape after baking.
Add extra chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the top for a melty layer and a bit of crunch.
Cool completely before slicing or they may fall apart.
Use the parchment paper to lift bars out of the pan for easy slicing on a cutting board.
More Than Just a Snack
Breakfast on-the-go: Pair banana oatmeal bars with a cup of coffee or smoothie for a quick and filling start to the day.
After school treat: A wholesome option that satisfies both kids and adults.
Lunchbox upgrade: Wrap bars individually for easy packing on busy school days.
Dessert twist: Warm slightly and drizzle with nut butter or chocolate drizzle. Why not top with ice cream for an even more indulgent treat.
How To Keep Bars Fresh and Chewy
Room temperature: Store in banana oatmeal bars an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps bars fresh, if stored in a container, for up to a week.
Freezer: Perfect for batch baking! Wrap bars individually or in slices then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw as needed, or pop a frozen one into a school or work lunch box!
