Description
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)
Directions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Mash & Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in peanut butter, honey, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Bake: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Cool & Serve: Let the oatmeal bars cool before slicing into squares. Drizzle extra peanut butter on top for an indulgent finish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 9
Calories: 200 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars every time. First, ensure your bananas are very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and easy mashing. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish with non-stick spray or parchment paper. When mixing the dry ingredients, whisk them thoroughly to evenly distribute the baking powder and cinnamon. For the wet ingredients, use a fork to mash the bananas into a puree before adding the peanut butter, honey, milk, and vanilla. A key step is to let the combined batter sit for 5 minutes after folding in the chocolate chips; this allows the oats to absorb some liquid for a better texture. Bake on the center rack and perform the toothpick test at 25 minutes—it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bars can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a decadent breakfast, warm a bar slightly and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries. They make an excellent post-workout snack paired with a protein shake. For kids’ lunches, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Consider drizzling with melted dark chocolate or a light sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch. They are also perfect crumbled over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a healthy-ish dessert.
How-to Summary
In brief: Mix dry oats with baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Separately, mash bananas and blend with peanut butter, honey, milk, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry mixtures, fold in chocolate chips, and let batter rest for 5 minutes. Spread into a greased 9×9 pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until set. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How should I store these oatmeal bars? Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the peanut butter? Absolutely. Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut or seed butter of your choice will work as a 1:1 substitute.
Why are my bars too soft or mushy? This is often due to under-baking or not allowing them to cool completely before slicing. The bars continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, you can reduce the honey/maple syrup to 2-3 tablespoons, but note the bars will be less sweet and slightly denser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using instant or quick-cook oats, as they absorb liquid differently and will result in a gummy texture. Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined; stir just until no dry streaks remain. Skipping the cooling step is a major error—cutting into warm bars will cause them to fall apart. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper rise. Finally, do not overbake, as this will make the bars dry and crumbly instead of chewy and moist.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate make-ahead solution for busy mornings and hungry afternoons. They successfully combine wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavor, offering a satisfying texture that is both hearty and delicious. Simple to customize and perfect for meal prep, this recipe is a reliable staple that caters to various dietary needs and taste preferences. Whip up a batch this weekend to ensure you have a healthy, homemade treat ready whenever you need it.