Peanut Butter Banana Bars (Printable)

Chewy bars with peanut butter, banana, and oats make a wholesome, quick energy snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
02 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
06 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
07 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
03 - Add peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined.
04 - Incorporate the rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, and optional nuts or chocolate chips. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of a spoon or spatula.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to cut.
07 - Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Slice into 12 portions. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They taste like dessert but actually fuel your body with real ingredients—no guilt required.
  • No oven means no heat in the kitchen, and these bars come together in the time it takes to brew coffee.
  • They hold up beautifully in backpacks, lunch boxes, and desk drawers, making them your new secret weapon against afternoon slumps.
02 -
  • These bars are softer than traditional baked ones, and that's the whole point—they're meant to be chewy and forgiving, not crunchy or dense.
  • Don't skip the chilling time thinking you can speed it up in the freezer and still get good results; the slow cold helps them firm up properly.
03 -
  • Don't overmix once you add the oats or you'll end up with dense, gluey bars instead of the chewy texture you want—stir just until combined.
  • Use the parchment overhang to your advantage when pressing; it keeps your hands clean and lets you press firmly without effort.
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