Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars – Soft, Chewy, and Perfect for Snacking

There’s something oddly comforting about having a snack that’s both sweet and wholesome sitting on your kitchen counter, ready whenever you are. These peanut butter banana oatmeal bars are exactly that kind of treat—soft, chewy, naturally sweetened, and packed with flavor.

They’re great for breakfast on busy mornings, a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a healthy dessert when that sweet craving kicks in. And the best part? They’re easy to make with simple pantry staples.

Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: ~35 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best)
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural is best)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional mix-ins: dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla until well combined.
4. In another bowl, mix oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. If adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
8. Cool completely before slicing into bars. This helps them hold their shape.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

They’re naturally sweetened with bananas and honey, meaning no refined sugar unless you decide to toss in some chocolate chips. Oats make them hearty, peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, and the flavor combination is just comforting. They’re also incredibly portable—wrap them individually and you’ve got a grab-and-go snack that actually keeps you satisfied.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars

• Use very ripe bananas—the spottier, the better. They mash easily and give more natural sweetness.
• If your peanut butter is thick, warm it slightly so it mixes smoothly.
• For extra chewy bars, don’t overbake. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• If you prefer a more dessert-like bar, sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.
• Want them more like granola bars? Use quick oats instead of rolled oats for a denser texture.

Recipe Notes

• Storage: These bars store well, which makes them ideal for meal prep.
• Egg-free option: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes).
• Sweeter version: Add a few tablespoons of brown sugar or an extra drizzle of honey.
• Nut-free variation: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Bar, with honey & no chocolate chips)

• Calories: ~150
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 8g

Extra Tips to Make Them Perfect

• Texture tweak: If you like softer bars, add a few spoonfuls of applesauce to the batter.
• Crispy edges: Bake in a larger pan so the batter spreads thinner.
• Breakfast boost: Add a scoop of protein powder or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger pairs nicely with the banana flavor.

How to Serve

These bars are great on their own, but here are a few ideas:

• Breakfast to-go – grab one with a coffee and you’re set for the morning commute.
• Afternoon snack – pair with a yogurt cup or fruit for something more filling.
• Dessert plate – serve with a drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Kid-friendly lunchbox treat – no messy crumbs, easy to pack.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These peanut butter banana oatmeal bars are a perfect mix of wholesome and satisfying. They’re quick to make, store well, and taste even better the next day. Whether you pack them for school, keep them on hand for post-workout snacks, or enjoy one with your morning coffee, they’re bound to become a kitchen regular.

Sometimes the best recipes aren’t fancy—they’re just the ones you keep making again and again because they’re simple, tasty, and reliable. This is one of those.