These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Bars combine creamy peanut butter, naturally sweet bananas, and hearty oats into a soft-baked square studded with melty chocolate chips.
Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout refuel, they’re simple to whip up and even easier to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup—mix, press, bake, and slice.
Naturally Sweet: Ripe bananas and a touch of honey replace refined sugar.
Energy-Boosting: Oats and peanut butter deliver lasting fuel and protein.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake on Sunday and stash in the fridge for quick snacks all week.
Customizable: Swap chocolate chips for nuts, dried fruit, or seeds to suit your taste.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ripe bananas: The sweeter, the better—mashed into the base.
Peanut butter: Creamy or chunky for richness and protein.
Rolled oats: Whole-grain texture and wholesome fiber.
Honey or maple syrup: Just enough natural sweetness.
Egg: Binds the bars and adds lift.
Baking powder & salt: Lightens and balances flavor.
Dark chocolate chips: Pockets of melty decadence.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Mash Thoroughly: A few banana chunks are fine, but a smooth mash ensures even texture.
Line the Pan: Use parchment for easy bar removal.
Don’t Overbake: Bars should be just set in the center for a soft, chewy bite.
Cool Completely: Let bars rest so they slice cleanly without crumbling.
Pan Size Matters: An 8×8″ pan yields thick bars; a 9×9″ gives thinner squares.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line an 8×8″ baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Mash & Mix
In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until mostly smooth.
Stir in ½ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup), and 1 large egg until combined.
Step 3: Add the Oats & Leavening
Fold in 2 cups rolled oats, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Stir until the oats are fully moistened.
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in ½ cup dark chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the reserved chips on top.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the center is just set and edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then slice into 12 squares.
What to Serve With These Bars
Greek Yogurt: A tangy complement to the sweet, soft bars.
Fresh Fruit: Berries or banana slices echo the flavors within.
Smoothie: Blend a berry-banana smoothie for a balanced breakfast combo.
Milk or Coffee: Classic pairings that round out your snack or meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower-seed butter and use sunflower seeds instead of chips.
Add-Ins: Stir in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for extra texture.
Vegan: Use flax “egg” (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water) in place of the egg.
Spiced Twist: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
Protein Boost: Fold in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 5 days—bars firm up and stay fresh.
Freezer: Freeze individual squares in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month; thaw at room temp.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats?
Yes—just reduce baking time by a few minutes, as they absorb less moisture.
Why are my bars too wet?
Bake until the center is set; if still gummy, add 2–3 extra minutes under the broiler on low.
Can I halve the recipe?
Use a 6×6″ pan and check doneness around 15 minutes.
How do I prevent sticking?
Ensure you line the pan with parchment; allow bars to cool fully before lifting.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to keep them GF.
What if I don’t have honey?
Maple syrup or brown rice syrup works in equal measure.
Can I make them without an egg?
Use a flax egg or applesauce (¼ cup) for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Bars prove that simple ingredients can deliver extraordinary snacks.
With a tender oat base, creamy peanut-banana notes, and pockets of chocolate, they’re a win for breakfast, snack time, or a healthy dessert.
Bake a batch and watch them disappear!
