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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
