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Peanut butter banana oatmeal bars stacked on plate

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: ~35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, these peanut butter banana oatmeal bars are an easy one-bowl snack made with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for breakfast, meal prep, toddlers, or a healthy grab-and-go treat, they can be made with just 3 or 4 simple ingredients and require no flour or refined sugar.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 8×8-inch pan – 9 squares)

Base Recipe (3 Ingredients):

  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth)

  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

Optional 4th Ingredient (for extra flavor):

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins (choose 1–2 if desired):

  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

  • 12 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (if you prefer sweeter bars)

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in peanut butter until fully combined. Add oats (and vanilla if using). Mix until evenly incorporated. Fold in any optional add-ins.

Step 3: Press
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.

Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.

 

Step 5: Cool & Slice
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan (this helps them firm up). Slice into 9 squares and serve.

Notes

  • For Babies/Toddlers: Cut into small, soft pieces and use smooth peanut butter only. Always check for nut allergies.
  • No-Bake Option: Skip baking and refrigerate the pressed mixture for 2–3 hours until firm. (Texture will be softer.)
  • Without Peanut Butter: Substitute almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or mashed sweet potato for a nut-free version.
  • No Flour Needed: These bars are naturally flourless thanks to oats.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Category: Snack / Breakfast
  • Method: Baked (or No-Bake Option)
  • Cuisine: American