Looking for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack? Try this easy recipe for peanut butter banana oatmeal bars! They’re the perfect combination of protein, healthy fats, and whole grains and are naturally vegan and gluten-free.

banana oatmeal bars sliced into squares topped with chocolate chips

Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Bars

There’s nothing I love more than a snack made with oats, like these Oatmeal Banana Cookies or these Oat Flour Banana Muffins. Oats are so versatile and packed with fiber which leave you feeling full and satisifed. These Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars can be enjoyed as a healthy breakfast, snack or even dessert. This recipe only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake and is vegan and gluten-free. (Just make sure to use gluten-free certified oats!)

This easy recipe can also be modified however you like! Feel free to change the type of nut butter or add any mix-ins you love like chocolate, nuts or dried fruit. Enjoy these bars on their own or with a green protein smoothie on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Health-conscious: Gluten-free and vegan-friendly, catering to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are a breeze to whip up.
  • Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, a midday snack, or a dessert treat, adapting to your daily needs.
  • Nutrient-rich: Loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, offering a balanced nutritional profile.

Key ingredients And Substitutions

ingredients for banana oatmeal bars
  • Bananas: The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter the bars will be. I recoomend using overripe bananas in this recipe. If you don’t like bananas you can substitute with applesauce.
  • Peanut Butter: This a creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor, while also providing healthy fats and protein. You can use any type of nut or seed butter if you want to keep the recipe nut-free.
  • Honey: These bars can be sweetened with honey, maple syrup or agave syrup.
  • Rolled Oats: You can use rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe. Rolled oats will give you a chewier texture. (I personally recommend rolled oats for these bars.)

*The full ingredient measurements and instructions can be found below in the recipe card.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

mashed banana in a mixing bowl

Step 1: Mash the overripe banana in a mixing bowl.

mashed banana mixed with peanut butter and honey in a mixing bowl

Step 2: add the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix together.

oats, cinnamon and baking powder in a mixing bowl

Step 3: In a separate bowl mix the oats, baking powder and cinnamon.

oats and wet ingredients for banana oatmeal bars in a mixing bowl

Step 4: Mix the wet and dry ingredients together to combine.

banana oatmeal bar batter and chocolate chips in a mixing bowl

Step 5: Add chocolate chips and mix.

unbaked banana oatmeal bars in a baking dish

Step 6: Add the mixture to an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper

baked banana oatmeal bars in a baking dish

Step 7: Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

banana oatmeal bars cut into squares

Step 8: Let cool completely, then slice into bars.

Recipe variations

These oatmeal bars and so versatile and can be adapted in any way you like! Feel free to mix up the peanut butter for any nut, seed or soy butter if necessary. Here are a few of my favourite variations of this recipe:

  • Double Chocolate Oatmeal Bars: add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to these bars to make them extra chocolatey!
  • Add some crunch: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch and a boost of omega-3s.
  • Berry Oatmeal Bars: Fold in some fresh or frozen berries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
  • Add More Protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder for an added protein kick.

How to store

Storing: These oatmeal bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerated to extend their freshness to a week.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To defrost let the bars thaw on the countertop, and reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Jess’s Tips

  • Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Quality Peanut Butter: Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter for a healthier option and better texture. I recommend using smooth peanut butter in this recipe.
  • Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to line your pan for easy removal and clean-up.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid dense bars.
  • Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for easier slicing and better texture. If you try to remove them too quickly they can fall apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make oatmeal banana bars with quick oats?

Yes, however, this will change the texture of the bars and result in a softer and less chewy texture.

Can I make oatmeal banana bars without ananas?

Yes, substitute mashed banana for one cup of apple sauce.

How can I make these peanut butter oatmeal banana bars even healthier?

Try adding less maple syrup and adding a spoon of flax seeds or chia seeds. If using less sweetener, try to use very ripe bananas for some natural sweetness in the recipe.

a banana oatmeal bar with chocolate chips

Recipe Video

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banana oatmeal bars sliced into squares topped with chocolate chips

Banana Oatmeal Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 15 bars 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Healthy Oatmeal Banana Bars can be enjoyed for breakfast, a snack or even dessert!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 ripe bananas, (approx 1 cup mashed)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or runny is best)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup (can sub honey)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder together.
  3. In another bowl, mash the bananas, then add peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Add the chocolate chips and mix.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Optionally sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Let the bars cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing. 

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Opt for natural, smooth peanut butter for best texture.
  • Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  • Avoid overmixing to prevent dense bars.
  • Cool bars completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/15th of the recipe
  • Calories: 98
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2.5g