Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are the perfect healthy snack for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, these bars offer a delightful blend of flavors while being rich in fiber and protein. They’re ideal for breakfast on the go, a post-workout treat, or even a sweet addition to lunchboxes. Plus, their simple preparation makes them a staple you’ll want to keep on hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip up these bars in just 30 minutes.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with bananas, oats, and peanut butter, they provide essential nutrients.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit to make them your own.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for healthy snacks throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: These bars are a hit with both kids and adults, making them perfect for family snacks.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars a breeze. Gather these essentials before you start baking to streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all your ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking dish: An 8×8 inch dish is perfect for evenly baking these bars, ensuring they set properly.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.

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.

Base 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

Protein Boosters and Mix-Ins

• 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 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, which will help prevent the bars from sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, place the ripe bananas. Use a fork to thoroughly mash them until they become smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the mashed bananas:
1. Natural creamy peanut butter
2. Pure maple syrup
3. Melted coconut oil (or avocado oil)
4. Vanilla extract

Stir well until all wet ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, collagen or protein powder, chocolate chips (and walnuts if using), along with kosher salt. Stir until everything is well mixed together.

Step 5: Bake the Mixture

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for added sweetness. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until set.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift out the bars from the pan once cooled completely. Slice into 12 even bars. Optionally sprinkle some flaky salt on top before serving.

Refrigerate any leftovers after two days to keep them fresh!

How to Serve Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a quick breakfast or a satisfying afternoon snack, these bars pair well with different toppings and accompaniments.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Bananas: Add fresh banana slices on top for an extra fruity punch.
• Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing tartness.

With Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and extra protein.
• Dairy-Free Yogurt: For a plant-based option, try coconut or almond yogurt.

As a Breakfast Option

• Toast with Nut Butter: Spread some additional peanut butter or almond butter on top for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
• Smoothie Bowl Topping: Crumble the oat bars over your favorite smoothie bowl for added texture.

With Nut Milk

• Almond Milk: Enjoy alongside a glass of almond milk for a healthy drink pairing.
• Oat Milk: For a complementary flavor, serve with oat milk to enhance the oat goodness.

How to Perfect Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

To ensure your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal flavor.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients helps maintain the right texture and taste. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the bars dense instead of chewy.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup slightly. Taste the mixture before baking to find your ideal balance.
• Cool Before Slicing: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting; this ensures cleaner slices and better texture.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to swap chocolate chips for dried fruits, seeds, or other nuts based on your preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

These side dishes complement Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars beautifully, making them an even more nutritious meal or snack option.

1. Chia Seed Pudding: A creamy pudding made from chia seeds soaked in almond milk is a great source of fiber and omega-3s.
2. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
3. Nut Trail Mix: A crunchy blend of nuts and seeds provides healthy fats and protein; consider adding dried fruit for sweetness.
4. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Crisp veggie sticks served with hummus offer crunch and additional nutrients to your snack time.
5. Cottage Cheese Bowl: A bowl of cottage cheese topped with fruits makes for a protein-packed side that pairs nicely with oat bars.
6. Homemade Granola: Serve alongside homemade granola for extra crunch and flavors that complement the oat bars beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars can be straightforward, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas do not mash well and can affect the texture of your bars. Always choose medium to ripe bananas for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can lead to inconsistent texture and flavor. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Baking without parchment paper can cause the bars to stick to the pan, making them hard to remove. Always line your baking dish with parchment for easy release.
• Overbaking or underbaking: Baking for too long can dry out your bars, while not baking long enough can leave them gooey. Keep an eye on the baking time and test for doneness around 28 minutes.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the bars too soon can result in crumbling. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a resealable freezer bag; they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm bars in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars.

Can I use other nut butters?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for different flavors.

How do I make these bars vegan?

To make Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars vegan, replace honey with maple syrup and ensure that any added chocolate is dairy-free.

Can I add protein powder?

Absolutely! You can add protein powder of choice in place of collagen protein for an extra boost.

How do I store Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are a satisfying snack that is easy to make and packed with nutrition. Feel free to customize these bars by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious treat any time of day!