If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth, these Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a perfect choice! Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, they make an excellent snack, breakfast option, or even a dessert. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter, these bars are both delightful and healthy.
Ingredients:
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 ¼ cups old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts for topping
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and egg. Mix everything together until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until fully incorporated. If you like, fold in chocolate chips or nuts for an extra treat.
Bake:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm or Cold: These bars can be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or cooled to room temperature. They are delicious either way!
Pairing Suggestions: Enhance your snack by serving the bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or a spread of additional peanut butter for added flavor and creaminess.
Portion Control: Cut the bars into smaller squares for portion control, making them an ideal snack size, especially for kids or for sharing at gatherings.
Toppings: Consider adding toppings like sliced bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few extra chocolate chips before serving for an eye-catching presentation.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is best if you plan to eat them quickly.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to one week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.
Avoid Moisture: To prevent the bars from becoming soggy, make sure they are completely cool before storing them, and avoid excess moisture in the container.
Label and Date: If freezing, label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters such as almond butter or cashew butter. Just ensure the nut butter is creamy for the best texture. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the nut butter you choose.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! To make the Peanut Butter Banana Bars vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken) or a similar egg replacement. Additionally, use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, they need more time in the oven. Be sure to keep an eye on them as baking times can vary based on your oven.
Can I add mix-ins to the bars?
Yes! Feel free to customize your Peanut Butter Banana Bars by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds. Just be mindful of the total volume of mix-ins, as too many can affect the texture and baking time. About ¼ cup of mix-ins is typically a good amount.
Conclusion:
These Peanut Butter Banana Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, homemade snack without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning or looking for a midday pick-me-up, these bars are sure to satisfy. With their wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, they’re a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and nutritious treat. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful bars!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Peanut Butter Banana Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these soft and chewy Peanut Butter Banana Bars, a delightful and healthy treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter, they are naturally sweet and quick to whip up, making them ideal for busy days. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars provide a nutritious option for satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 ¼ cups old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
For freezing, wrap each bar individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 bars
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Keywords: Peanut Butter Banana Bars, healthy snacks, easy breakfast recipes, banana bars, gluten-free snacks, peanut butter recipes, wholesome desserts, nutritious treats
