Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Name: Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium ripe bananas; 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons coconut oil (or avocado oil); 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit

Published: January 23, 2026

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, these bars can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious oats and natural sweeteners, they offer a wholesome snack option.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite add-ins like dried fruits or nuts for variety.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time to have healthy snacks ready throughout the week.
Kid-Friendly: These delicious bars are a great way to introduce kids to healthy eating without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Fork
Baking dish (8×8)
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to mash bananas easily and combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Baking dish: An 8×8 baking dish is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness of your oat bars.
Parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are made with just 6 ingredients for a healthy, simple snack. Rich in fiber and protein, these homemade granola bars will keep you full and fueled.

Ingredients:
– 2 medium ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 3 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted (or avocado oil)
– 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
– 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 2 scoops collagen protein (~20g) (sub protein powder of choice)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (sub cacao nibs or dried fruit if making vegan)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

How to Make Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare an 8×8 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, place the bananas. Use a fork to thoroughly mash them until they become smooth. Once mashed, stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Add the old-fashioned rolled oats, collagen protein or protein powder, chocolate chips, walnuts (if using), and kosher salt. Stir everything together until fully combined.

Step 4: Bake the Mixture

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added sweetness. Place it in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy!

Using the parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan once cooled completely. Slice them into 12 equal bars. You may choose to sprinkle some flaky salt on top before storing them in the refrigerator after two days.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars! Perfect as breakfast or a snack anytime during your busy day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make these delicious Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars without any hiccups by steering clear of common pitfalls.

Overripe bananas: Using overly ripe bananas can lead to a mushy texture. Opt for ripe but not overly soft bananas for the best consistency.
Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking dish can result in stuck bars. Always line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can affect the final product. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
Ignoring cooling time: Cutting the bars too soon can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Using a different type of oats: Instant oats may not provide the right texture. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keep bars layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag for easy access.

Reheating Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and heat bars on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds, checking doneness.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat, adding a bar until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are healthy snack bars made from ripe bananas, peanut butter, oats, and sweeteners. They are great for breakfast or as an on-the-go snack.

Can I customize Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

Absolutely! You can add different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to personalize your bars according to your taste preferences.

How do I make Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars vegan?

To make them vegan, simply substitute the collagen protein powder with a plant-based protein powder and use cacao nibs or dried fruit instead of chocolate chips.

What is the nutritional value of Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

These bars offer approximately 220 calories per serving, with 8 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, making them a nutritious option for snacking.

Final Thoughts

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough for various dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with flavors and add-ins like nuts or dried fruits. These bars make an excellent snack or breakfast option that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.

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