Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Bars

Indulge in these delightful Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Bars, a wholesome treat combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate chips. These bars are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them an excellent choice for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with rolled oats, natural peanut butter, and ripe bananas, these bars are free from refined sugars and oils, offering a nutritious option for any time of the day.
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary preferences and needs.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these bars ready in no time.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, post-workout snacks, or a healthy dessert alternative.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 9 bars.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a different flavor profile or to accommodate nut allergies.
• Added Protein: Incorporate a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the batter to boost the protein content.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Mix in 1/4 cup of dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to enhance the warm flavors of the bars.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, ensure that the chocolate chips are dairy-free, and you’re all set, as the rest of the ingredients are plant-based.

What type of oats should I use?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for the best texture. Quick oats can be used but may result in a softer bar.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! Honey or agave nectar can be used in place of maple syrup in equal amounts.

How do I make the bars firmer?

If you prefer a firmer bar, bake them a bit longer, keeping a close eye to prevent overbaking.

Are these bars suitable for children?

Yes, they make a healthy snack for children, but be mindful of any nut allergies.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Certainly! The bars will still be delicious without the chocolate chips.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the flavor and texture.

Can I add nuts for extra crunch?

Yes, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added texture.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

Greasing the baking dish with a bit of oil or butter will work fine to prevent sticking.

How can I make the bars less sweet?

Reduce the amount of maple syrup or use unsweetened peanut butter to decrease the sweetness.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, offering a nutritious and satisfying option for any time of the day.

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Bars

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars
• Category: Snack, Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Bars are a wholesome, naturally sweetened, and easy-to-make snack perfect for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a healthy dessert. Made with rolled oats, ripe bananas, peanut butter, and dark chocolate chips, these gluten-free and dairy-free bars are soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips, reserving some for the top if desired.
5. Bake: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice into squares and enjoy!

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Notes

• Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
• Extra Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Mix in ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger enhances the warm flavors.