Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack that you can enjoy any time of the day. These homemade bars are simple to make, requiring just six ingredients. Packed with fiber and protein, they provide sustained energy for your busy lifestyle. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars fit the bill perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: You only need about 30 minutes from start to finish to prepare these tasty bars.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like bananas and oats, they’re a healthy choice for your snacking needs.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
• Kid-Friendly: These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family snacks or lunchboxes.
• Energy Boosting: The combination of protein and fiber keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the day.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars is straightforward when you have the right tools. Gather your kitchen essentials before you begin for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl helps combine all your ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Baking dish: The right size baking dish ensures that your bars bake evenly, resulting in a perfect texture.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the dish without sticking.

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.

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
– 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). Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a mixing bowl, place the ripe bananas. Use a fork to thoroughly mash them until they are pureed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in the following ingredients into the mashed bananas:
* 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
* 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
* 3 Tbsp. coconut oil (or avocado oil)
* 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the old-fashioned rolled oats along with:
* 2 scoops collagen protein (or other protein powder)
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or substitutes)
* 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (if using)
* 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Mixture

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for added sweetness. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes until set.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift out the bars once cooled completely. Slice into 12 equal pieces. For an extra touch, consider sprinkling some flaky salt on top before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator after two days.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars!

How to Serve Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

These Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a breakfast option or an afternoon snack, there are plenty of serving ideas to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Bananas: Top the bars with fresh banana slices for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Berries: Add a handful of blueberries or strawberries for a burst of freshness and color.

With Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt: Serve the bars with a side of creamy Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
• Dairy-Free Yogurt: Pair with coconut or almond-based yogurt for a plant-based alternative.

As a Breakfast Option

• Drizzled Honey: A light drizzle of honey can add sweetness if you prefer a sweeter breakfast.
• Nut Butter Spread: Spread additional peanut butter or almond butter on top for extra richness.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Chocolate Dip: Melt some dark chocolate and dip the bars for an indulgent treat.
• Nutty Trail Mix: Serve alongside your favorite trail mix for added crunch and variety.

How to Perfect Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

To make your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars even better, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

• Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, which enhances the flavor and texture.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure correct ingredient ratios.
• Cool before slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This prevents them from crumbling.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize by adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preferences.
• Store properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Pairing your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars with complementary dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance to the hearty oat bars.
2. Nutty Granola: A serving of homemade or store-bought granola provides extra crunch and fiber alongside the bars.
3. Smoothie Bowl: A nutrient-packed smoothie bowl can be a refreshing accompaniment, enhancing overall breakfast satisfaction.
4. Chia Seed Pudding: Creamy chia pudding offers additional fiber and makes for a delightful contrast in texture.
5. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy veggies paired with hummus create a savory complement that balances the sweet flavors of the bars.
6. Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layered coconut yogurt with granola and fruit can provide a delightful contrast in textures while keeping things light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars turn out perfectly, be mindful of these common mistakes.

• Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack the sweetness and creaminess that ripe bananas provide. Always choose medium ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting the bars cool in the pan is essential. Skipping this step can result in crumbly bars instead of a cohesive texture. Be patient!
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: A common pitfall is eyeballing measurements, especially for oats and peanut butter. Use precise measuring cups for consistent results.
• Overbaking the bars: Baking for too long can dry out your bars. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are just set.
• Ignoring optional ingredients: Optional ingredients like walnuts or chocolate chips add flavor and texture. Don’t skip them if you want a richer taste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars for about 15-20 seconds until just warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are healthy snacks made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, oats, and other nutritious ingredients. They’re easy to make and perfect for on-the-go!

How do I customize Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

You can customize these bars by adding different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits according to your preference. You can also substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Simply use maple syrup as your sweetener and replace chocolate chips with cacao nibs or dried fruit to make them vegan-friendly.

How do I know when my Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are done baking?

The bars should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars?

Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile. You might also experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut.

Final Thoughts

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are not only simple to prepare but also versatile! You can enjoy them as a breakfast option or a quick snack throughout the day. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or different types of nut butter to suit your tastes.

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Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Banana Peanut Butter Oat Bars are the perfect on-the-go snack, packed with nutrition and flavor. These homemade bars are made with just six simple ingredients and take about 30 minutes to prepare. Ideal for breakfast or a quick energy boost, these oat bars are not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. With the wholesome goodness of bananas, oats, and peanut butter, they provide a satisfying blend of protein and fiber that keeps you energized throughout your day. Enjoy them as a post-workout snack or a tasty treat in lunchboxes—everyone will love them!

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Ingredients

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• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 Tbsp. coconut oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• Optional: chocolate chips or dried fruit

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8" baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and mix until well combined.
4. Stir in rolled oats and any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts until evenly mixed.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28-32 minutes until set.
6. Let cool for about 30 minutes before lifting out and slicing into bars.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg