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Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 133 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 bars (cut into 3x3 squares) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Made with natural peanut butter, ripe bananas, and oats, they offer a chewy texture with a hint of sweetness from pure maple syrup and bursts of chocolate chips. Topped with flaky sea salt, these bars balance sweet and salty flavors for an irresistible and nutritious bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas
  • 2/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Add-ins and Toppings

  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips (divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup)
  • Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, then lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, natural creamy peanut butter, pure maple syrup, one large egg, and pure vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until fully combined and evenly mixed.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out smoothly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips evenly on top of the batter for extra chocolate goodness.
  5. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The bars are done when they are set and slightly golden brown around the edges. Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for a wonderful salty contrast.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up. Once cool, cut into squares and serve as a nutritious snack or breakfast option.

Notes

  • For firmer bars, you can refrigerate them after they have cooled to help them set more tightly.
  • Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
  • Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture, but you can substitute with quick oats if needed, though the texture will be softer.
  • Flaky sea salt is recommended for sprinkling on top as it adds a pleasant crunch and enhances the flavor balance.
  • You can add nuts or seeds if desired for extra crunch and nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter banana bars, oatmeal bars, healthy snack, breakfast bars, homemade granola bars, peanut butter snacks, banana snacks

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Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/peanut-butter-banana-oatmeal-bars-recipe/