Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that hits all the right notes—creamy, sweet, a little bit gooey, and downright irresistible—you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe. I first whipped these up on a whim, and honestly, they’ve been a staple in my kitchen ever since. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, a quick midday pick-me-up, or even a healthier dessert option. Stick around because I’m about to share everything you need to know to make these bars turn out perfectly every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work so beautifully together—the bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, peanut butter makes it rich and satisfying, and the oats bring that perfect chewy texture. If you grab the right kind of oats and fresh ripe bananas, your bars will be a guaranteed win every time.

• Mashed bananas: Make sure your bananas are super ripe with lots of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
• Peanut butter: I love creamy peanut butter here for smooth bars, but feel free to use crunchy if you want some added texture.
• Coconut sugar or brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel-like flavor but you can adjust sweetness to your liking.
• Unsweetened applesauce: This keeps things moist without adding fat, and gives a subtle apple sweetness.
• Almond milk (or any nondairy milk): Use whatever you have; it keeps the recipe vegan and adds just the right amount of liquid.
• Old-fashioned oats: These provide the ideal chewy and hearty texture. Certified gluten free oats if you need to keep it gluten free!
• Baking powder: Helps the bars lift slightly so they’re not too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and boost flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice to complement the banana and peanut butter.
• Pure vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in deepening the flavor profile.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are the star chocolate pieces that melt slightly and bring that indulgent touch.

Variations

I like to keep the recipe classic most of the time, but I also enjoy mixing things up depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. These bars are super flexible, so you can easily personalize them to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Nut Butter Swap: Sometimes I swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter—each brings a slightly different nuttiness but just as delicious.
• Egg or Flax Egg: If you’re not vegan, feel free to replace the applesauce with a regular egg; for plant-based, I’ve found flax egg works beautifully to keep that binding consistency.
• Mix-ins: Unexpected add-ins like chopped walnuts, peanut butter chips, or even dried cranberries can add another flavor layer; I love trying these when I want a change.
• Dairy-Free Vegan: Just be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips and any plant-based milk you like to ensure it stays vegan.

How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough of an overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out later. Trust me, this little step saves so much hassle when it’s time to cut and serve.

Step 2: Mix Your Batter

In a large bowl—or if you’re fancy like me, your stand mixer bowl—mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Then, add your peanut butter, coconut sugar, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed or stir vigorously with a spoon until everything is combined. The batter will be a bit thick but still pourable, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Bake

Gently fold in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed but not overmixed. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-28 minutes—don’t be scared if the center still looks a little soft, that’s perfect! Just make sure the edges look set and golden.

Step 4: Cooling Is Key

This is where patience really pays off. Let the bars cool in the pan at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour if you can wait that long. Then, pop the whole pan in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling is essential because it helps the bars firm up so you can cut clean squares without everything falling apart.

Step 5: Cut and Enjoy

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into 16 bars and if you’re feeling fancy, I love to drizzle a little melted peanut butter on top for extra flavor and a gorgeous finish. Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 10 days (if they last that long!).

How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light drizzle of melted peanut butter or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to balance the sweetness. If I’m feeling indulgent, a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a smear of nut butter on top takes it over the edge.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of almond milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially first thing in the morning or during an afternoon break. Sometimes I serve them alongside fresh fruit like berries or apple slices for a little fresh, juicy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or party, I’ve served these bars stacked on a pretty platter with small bowls of extra nut butter, honey, and sliced bananas nearby so guests can customize their bars. They also make adorable packed lunch box treats unfolded in parchment paper and tied with a twine ribbon for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they stay fresh for up to 10 days. Sometimes I separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking together. This has been a lifesaver on busy mornings when I need a quick grab-and-go snack.

Freezing

I love freezing these bars in single layers between parchment sheets inside a freezer-safe container. They keep wonderfully for up to 3 months, making them a perfect prep-ahead snack. When I’m ready, I just thaw them overnight in the fridge and they taste almost freshly baked.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a bar in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm it gently in a toaster oven—just enough to soften the chocolate chips and wake up those cozy flavors. The bars stay moist and delicious without drying out when reheated properly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe turns out—warm, comforting, and packed with good-for-you ingredients, it’s become my go-to for a snack that feels indulgent but is actually nourishing. When I first tried this combo, I was surprised at how easy it was to nail that perfect balance of flavors and textures, and I keep going back to it whenever I want something quick, simple, and delicious. You’re going to love how versatile and forgiving these bars are, so give them a try and make them your own. Trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for them, just like mine do!

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