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These Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are just what you need for a healthy and delicious breakfast, snack or treat. These bars are easy to make and packed with nourishing ingredients like oats, bananas and peanut butter.
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 satisfied.
And these Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars are no exception! They 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!)
When I shared this recipe to the Choosing Chia Instagram it went viral with over 15 million views and 300,000 people saving the recipe to make it later. It’s a tried and true recipe that has quickly become a readers favourite in the Choosing Chia community. Enjoy these bars on their own or try them with a green protein smoothie on the side.
Recipe Highlights
- Healthy choice: These bars are gluten-free, vegan and are healthy enough to enjoy for breakfast. Also make sure to try these cookie baked oats for another healthy breakfast you’ll love!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are a breeze to whip up!
- Versatile: Have them for breakfast, a midday snack or a sweet treat with a cup of homemade chai latte.
- Nutrient-rich: These bars have fibre, protein and whole grains to keep you feeling satisfied.
Key Ingredients And Substitutions
- Bananas: The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter the bars will be. I recommend using overripe bananas in this recipe. If you don’t like bananas you can substitute with applesauce. Have extra bananas? Turn them into some Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread or some Almond Flour Banana Muffins.
- Peanut Butter: You can use any type of nut or seed butter if you want to keep the recipe nut-free. If you love peanut butter also try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars and Peanut Butter Chia Pudding!
- 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
Step 1: Mash the overripe banana in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: add the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix together.
Step 3: In a separate bowl mix the oats, baking powder and cinnamon.
Step 4: Mix the wet and dry ingredients together to combine.
Step 5: Add chocolate chips and mix.
Step 6: Add the mixture to an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper
Step 7: Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Step 8: Let cool completely, then slice into bars.
Recipe Variations
- Double Chocolate: 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 raspberries or blueberries.
- Add More Protein: Mix in a scoop of your favourite protein powder like I add to these Protein Banana Muffins for an added protein kick.
How To Store
Store 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.
To freeze, 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.
Expert Tips
- Use overripe bananas: these will give the bars the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Quality peanut butter: Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter for a healthier option and better texture. Use leftover peanut butter in a batch of Peanut Butter Chia Pudding.
- 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
Yes, however, this will change the texture of the bars and result in a softer and less chewy texture.
Yes, substitute mashed banana for one cup of apple sauce.
Try These Recipes Next!
Breakfast
Chocolate Baked Oats
Breakfast
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
Breakfast
Cottage Cheese Oat Pancakes
Breakfast
Snickers Overnight Oats
If you tried these Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!
Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 bars
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars can be enjoyed for breakfast, a snack or even dessert!
Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder together.
- In another bowl, mash the bananas, then add peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Add the chocolate chips and mix.
- 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.
- 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
How many calories do you think these bars have in them typically?
The calories and nutrition info is all shared in the recipe card 🙂
Delicious! Exactly as described and definitely add chips to top before baking!
So happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
I love Them. I’ve made theese multiple times, they are my absolute favorite <3
So happy you love them cecicle 🙂
Second time making these in two weeks . So chewy, flavorful and delicious . Easily becoming most of the rotation .
So glad you love them nina 🙂
I made these tonight and they’re incredible. So good and perfectly chewy. I used maple syrup (not honey) and quick oats because that’s what I had on hand. I think these will quickly become a favorite. Thanks for the great recipe!
So happy you loved them Lauren! Thank you for the kind review! 🙂