4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe

Introduction

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a quick and delicious treat perfect for any time of day. Combining ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, oats, and a touch of chocolate, they’re wholesome and satisfying. Simple to make, they’re ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup smooth (natural) peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until almost smooth. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the oats, salt, and baking powder to the banana mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips, saving the rest for topping.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into 6-8 bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for a healthier option.
• Swap chocolate chips for chopped nuts or dried fruit for different flavors and textures.
• Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture.
• For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to enjoy them warm, if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be chewier and the bars might be a bit denser. For best results, pulse old-fashioned oats briefly in a food processor to break them down slightly.

Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, as long as you use vegan-friendly chocolate chips and natural peanut butter without any animal-derived ingredients, these bars are vegan-friendly.

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 135 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a simple, wholesome treat combining ripe bananas, smooth peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips for a naturally sweet and satisfying snack. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a nutritious dessert, these bars are quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3 very ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup smooth (natural) peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Add-ins

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the very ripe bananas until they are almost smooth with minimal lumps left to ensure a consistent texture.
3. Combine wet ingredients: Add the smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients: To the banana mixture, add the instant or quick cooking oats, salt, and baking powder. Mix everything together until fully combined, then gently fold in one-third of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest for topping.
5. Transfer and top: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spoon or spatula to smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top to add a delicious finishing touch.
6. Bake the bars: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean when the bars are cooked through.
7. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 6 to 8 pieces and serve as a nutritious snack or breakfast option.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better texture.
• You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit if preferred.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For a gluten-free option, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter banana bars, easy snack, healthy bars, banana oat bars, quick breakfast bars, chocolate chip bars