Save I made these bars on a Tuesday afternoon when my counter was covered in ripe bananas I couldn't bear to throw away. The peanut butter was practically calling to me from the pantry.
My roommate wandered in while I was pressing the mixture into the pan and immediately asked what smelled like heaven. We ended up eating half the batch straight from the fridge while standing in the kitchen laughing about how something this simple could taste so good.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas mashed: The sweeter and more spotted the better since theyre the natural sweetener that holds everything together
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Use whatever brand you keep on hand though fresh ground peanut butter makes these taste next level
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Maple syrup keeps it vegan but honey adds a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Dont skip this it makes the flavors pop like you baked something for hours
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Steel cut wont work here and quick oats make the texture too soft so stick with old fashioned
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Totally optional but a rough chop adds the best crunch throughout each bite
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips: Regular sized work too but mini chips distribute more evenly so every bar gets some
- 1/4 tsp salt: This seems like nothing but it balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Warm spices make these taste like oatmeal cookie dough without any flour
Instructions
- Prep your pan:
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper letting the edges hang over like a sling because youll thank yourself later when lifting the bars out.
- Mash those bananas:
- Get them as smooth as possible in a large bowl though tiny lumps are fine and actually add nice texture.
- Make the sticky base:
- Stir in the peanut butter honey or maple syrup and vanilla until it looks like glossy cookie dough.
- Add the dry ingredients:
- Dump in the oats salt cinnamon and any mix ins then fold until everything is coated and no dry oats remain.
- Press firmly:
- Transfer to your prepared pan and really press down hard with the back of a spoon or your hands because loose bars fall apart.
- Chill until set:
- Refrigerate for at least an hour though overnight is even better if you can plan ahead.
- Slice and store:
- Lift the whole slab out using the parchment overhang then cut into 12 squares and keep them cold in the fridge.
Save These became my go to before early morning flights when I needed something substantial but didnt want to rely on airport food. Now I keep a stash in the freezer and grab one whenever I need real fuel in a hurry.
Make Them Your Own
The base formula is essentially foolproof so swap nut butters or add dried fruit once youve made the original version. Sunflower seed butter works for nut free schools and almond butter gives them a more sophisticated flavor.
Texture Secrets
Ive noticed that letting the bananas sit for just a minute after mashing releases more moisture which helps bind everything. Also pressing the mixture in stages rather than all at once gives you a more compact final bar.
Storage And Meal Prep
These freeze beautifully so I usually double the recipe and stash half in the freezer for busy weeks. Wrap individual bars in parchment if you want to grab them quickly on rushed mornings.
- Layer bars between parchment paper in the freezer to prevent sticking
- Let frozen bars thaw for 10 minutes before eating for the best texture
- They keep for up to 3 months frozen though they never last that long in my house
Save Hope these become your pantry staple just like they did in mine.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute maple syrup for honey and use dairy-free chocolate chips or omit them altogether.
- → How do I store the bars to keep them fresh?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I replace peanut butter with another nut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives for peanut butter in this snack.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure the bars are gluten-free.
- → What optional ingredients can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.