Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

Friends, thank you for stopping by today—I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! These Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars are the kind of snack that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your belly with pure comfort. Made with simple pantry staples like ripe bananas, oats, and peanut butter, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome.

If you’re like me and love a snack that’s hearty, sweet, and portable, this is your new go-to. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened and perfect for meal prep.

And hey—if you’re new here, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss out on recipes like this one.

Overview of Recipe Content

• What it is: A no-fuss, one-bowl baked bar that combines bananas, oats, and peanut butter into chewy snack bars.
• Why you’ll love it: They’re wholesome, naturally sweetened, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly. Perfect for breakfast-on-the-go or an afternoon pick-me-up!
• Taste: Nutty, lightly sweet, chewy with a hint of banana bread comfort.
• Nutrition: Full of fiber, natural sweetness, and heart-healthy fats.
• When to make: Ideal for back-to-school snacks, Sunday meal prep, or post-workout fuel.

Ingredients

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• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup peanut butter (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
• Rubber spatula
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
• Replace honey with maple syrup for vegan-friendly bars.
• Stir in dried fruit, shredded coconut, or protein powder for an extra boost.

How to Make Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

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1. Mash the bananas. In a mixing bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
2. Add the wet ingredients. Stir in peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until creamy.
3. Combine the dry ingredients. Mix in oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Optional mix-ins. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
5. Bake. Spread batter into a lined 8×8 pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and set.
6. Cool & slice. Let bars cool before slicing into squares.

The smell while these bake? Pure heaven.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

• A cold glass of milk or a frothy latte.
• Fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices.
• Spread a little extra peanut butter or Greek yogurt on top for extra protein.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use ripe bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash more easily.
• Don’t overbake—the bars should be chewy, not dry.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Add toppings (extra chocolate drizzle, anyone?) while still warm.

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months—perfect for quick snacks.

General Information

These bars are inspired by old-fashioned banana bread but made more snackable. My nonna used to keep oat bars ready for after-school snacks, and I still love the tradition of having a tin full of chewy bars ready on the counter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.

2. Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use certified gluten-free oats.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13 pan and extend baking time by 5–10 minutes.

4. Are they good for kids?
Definitely—they’re naturally sweet, filling, and lunchbox-friendly.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Thick & Chewy Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars that will quickly become a family favorite. They’re healthy enough for breakfast but delicious enough to pass as dessert.

If you loved this, you might also enjoy:

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Interactive Elements

I’d love to see your version! Leave a comment below with your favorite mix-ins, or snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @poulefrecipe.

Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Fiber
190	5g	28g	10g	7g	3g

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